Thinking of applying for our Amazon Film Grant?
Mongabay is an award-winning news outlet known for its impactful and distinctive environmental reporting and analysis. We’re thrilled to be partnering with them on our new Amazon Film Grant.
So, to help you apply, we asked the Mongabay team to share their top 5 tips for crafting a strong application. Here’s what Lucía Torres, Mongabay’s Video Managing Editor, had to say:
1. Focus on people, character-driven storytelling, and local perspectives
We want stories that center the voices of those directly connected to the Amazon rainforest. Strong applications show that you have access to local communities, Indigenous groups, researchers, or other key stakeholders, and that you plan to feature them with respect, depth, and human-centered storytelling. A compelling film is often character-driven, following real people whose experiences illuminate bigger issues.
2. Show us the “why,” not just the “what”—find interesting, surprising angles
A good Mongabay film doesn’t just describe a problem or topic, it explains why it matters, who is affected, and what is at stake. Go beyond the surface: why should a global audience care? How does this connect to wider issues like biodiversity loss, climate change, or Indigenous rights? Think about surprising or less-covered angles that will keep viewers engaged, science, business, food systems, design solutions, or other fresh perspectives can make your story stand out.
3. Highlight solutions-oriented, nuanced storytelling
We value stories that move beyond doom-and-gloom. Can you show efforts to protect forests, recover species, improve governance, or adapt to challenges? Even if the situation is complex, we want honest portrayals that include hope, agency, and local leadership. A solutions-oriented approach doesn’t mean ignoring problems, it means exploring them in ways that show paths forward and elevate local expertise.
4. Think visually, show don’t tell
Film is a visual medium. A strong proposal explains what we’ll see on camera: landscapes, people, daily activities, rituals, archival material, graphics, or drone footage. Avoid relying only on talking heads, show the action, process, and places that make your story come alive. We also look for visual potential: can your story use strong imagery to transport viewers and deepen understanding?
5. Demonstrate feasibility and ethical commitment
Good applications show you know how to deliver the story safely, ethically, and within budget. Have you planned for permissions, travel, logistics, local partnerships? We also prioritize ethical storytelling, especially when working with Indigenous and traditional communities. Show us you have considered informed consent, cultural sensitivity, and collaborative approaches.
And finally, here’s four films Mongabay has shared to further inspire you: