The Briefing Room

JACKSON, WY. The Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival is pleased to announce the final selection of film finalists for its 2009 competition. This year’s Festival competition included over 400 films from more than 25 countries in 750 category entries—a record number of submissions. More than 60 judges from North America, Europe, Asia and Africa participated in the preliminary selections, with craft categories judged by peer juries and children’s groups participating in judging the Best Children’s Program. Considered the highest honor of the “nature and environment� genre, the 2009 award winners will be determined during the media industry conference held in Grand Teton Park at the Jackson Lake Lodge Sept 28-Oct 2, and will be announced at the Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner Thursday, October 1st.

Biannually for the last 18 years, broadcasters, filmmakers, and other industry professionals have joined leading scientists, journalists, and conservationists in Grand Teton National Park for the Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival. For one remarkable week, this eclectic group of talented artists gathers from around the world to hone their skills, explore emerging media technologies and market opportunities, network and exchange ideas, and honor notable achievements within the industry. Recognized as premier in its genre, the Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival is an unparalleled industry gathering. Over 650 international delegates participate in an exceptional slate of leading-edge equipment presentations, seminars and state-of-the-art screenings.

The Festival’s international board members include: Animal Planet, Arete Media, BBC Natural History Unit, Disneynature, Discovery Channel, Feodor Pitcairn Productions, Fujinon Inc., Fusionspark Media, National Geographic Television & Film, The Nature Conservancy, NHK Japanese Broadcasting, NHNZ, Ltd., Off the Fence, Panasonic Broadcast, Sierra Club Productions, Sony Electronics, The Turner Foundation, Nature/THIRTEEN, UNIVERSUM/ORF Natural History Unit.