Established for the 2014 Festival, this award recognizes a film that inspires advocacy in response to a compelling environmental challenge. The award includes a $10,000 cash prize.

"I am so proud that Rob Stewart's film has earned this award from one of the largest green festivals in the world. So much hard work and passion to deliver the strong message on screen. My sincere warmest thanks to the festival for recognizing the value of his vision and for the amazing tribute to Rob Stewart's legacy, showing his three films to packed rooms."

Bruno Chatelin - Curator of the Best for Fests

Winner: SHARKWATER EXTINCTION

This thrilling, inspiring, and action-packed journey follows filmmaker Rob Stewart as he exposes the massive illegal shark fin industry and the political corruption behind it — a conspiracy that is leading to the extinction of sharks. From West Africa, Spain, Panama, Costa Rica, France, and even in our own backyard, Stewart’s third film dives into the often-violent underworld of the pirate fishing trade to expose a multi-billion dollar industry. Shark finning is still rampant; shark fin soup is still being consumed on an enormous scale; and endangered sharks are being used to make products for human consumption. Stewart’s mission is to save the sharks and oceans before it’s too late. But exposing illegal activities isn’t easy; protecting sharks has earned him some powerful enemies.

The Environmental Film Festival in the Nation’s Capital (DCEFF) is the world’s premier showcase of environmentally themed films. Since 1993, our mission has been to celebrate Earth and inspire understanding and stewardship of the environment through the power of film.

Bruce Guthrie Photos

Each March in Washington, D.C., we host the largest environmental film festival in the world, presenting 100+ films to audiences of more than 20,000. Collaborating with over 110 partners, including museums, embassies, universities, and theaters, the Festival is one of the leading annual cultural events in Washington, D.C., winning the 2017 DC Mayor’s Award for Excellence in Creative Industries