New York, March 9, 2026 – Wildlife Conservation Society invites New Yorkers to celebrate Earth Week at its second annual REEL WILD™ New York Film Festival featuring award-winning films from independent filmmakers all over the globe – with additional programming from Disneynature and Emmy-nominated Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild – that bring the wonders of wildlife and nature to the big screen.

This year marks REEL WILD™️ New York's first juried festival, showcasing 28 films: 13 award winners, 9 official selections, and 6 out-of-competition selections. 

Starting Thursday, April 23 at 7PM, the festival kicks off with the Best Conservation Film award winner Snow Leopard Sisters. Screenings will continue nightly and throughout the weekend at the AMC Lincoln Square 13 at 1998 Broadway.

Highlighted films: Second Nature (Special Jury Award) and Oscar-nominated and Bronx-based short film, Keeper (New York's Wildest Award) Friday night, April 24 at 7PM and 6PM respectively.

Disneynature’s Orangutan and Best in Fest and Best Exploration Film dual award-winner, A Life Illuminated Saturday night, April 25, at 6PM and 7PM respectively. 

Family Day Sunday, April 26, starting at 10AM with NBC’s Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild, with their co-hosts, Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant and Peter Gros in attendance.  

Bring Them Home from Oscar nominee Lily Gladstone Sunday afternoon, April 26 at 2PM. 

See full schedule HERE.

Through powerful cinematic storytelling, REEL WILD™ and its award-winning films will engage audiences in the beauty and urgency of protecting our planet, connecting audiences with filmmakers, scientists, and explorers. There will be Q&A sessions with the filmmakers and special events for children.

REEL WILD™ is a platform for showcasing films and for sparking action for wildlife. Through each of the 28 films, audience interaction, and community partnership, REEL WILD™️ seeks to inspire viewers to become active participants in the conservation of wildlife and the environment.  

The festival will take place in one location at the AMC Lincoln Square 13,1998 Broadway, NYC. Award-winning films are followed by a Q&A with the filmmakers and Wildlife Conservation Society scientists. Evening screenings include a cocktail reception afterwards. 

Tickets for the event, April 23 - 26, can be purchased at reelwild.org.

Evening tickets include a Q&A and a cocktail reception. Family Day features three episodes of Daytime Emmy-nominated Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild, interactive activities, and a take-home gift bag for each child. Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom’s co-hosts wildlife expert Peter Gros and wildlife ecologist Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant will introduce the films and lead interactive Q&As. Other family programming includes Disneynature’s new film, Disneynature’s Orangutan, narrated by Josh Gad,  officially launching Earth Day, April 22, on Disney+ and premiering in-theater at REEL WILD, Saturday April 25.  

Said John Calvelli, WCS Executive Vice President of Public Affairs: “Film has the power to make people care about conserving our planet. WCS has a long history of bringing the best in natural history programming to public audiences, through documentaries, feature films and short form productions. With REEL WILD™, we are continuing that tradition with a juried festival to bring an elevated, award-winning collection of conservation and wildlife films to New York City.”

“Storytelling is at the heart of conservation—it’s how we connect people to the wonders of the natural world and the importance of protecting it, said Dr. Mark Penning, Vice President of Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment. The REEL WILD™️ New York Film Festival celebrates the power of film to inspire change, unite communities, and ignite curiosity in audiences of all ages. By sharing these incredible stories, we honor our shared legacy and empower the next generation to continue protecting wildlife and wild places for years to come.”

Said Christine Osekoski, WCS Executive Director of Public Affairs & Partnerships: “We’re working again this year with two incredible partners: Disney Conservation Fund, our overarching festival sponsor and initial champion of REEL WILD and Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild who has elevated our family programming and experience at Sunday's Family Day. WCS is privileged to have the support of an A-Team of agency partners and professionals from Horizon Media, Barbarian, Genuine Overkill and Naked City Films.

"We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our other generous sponsors Lotte New York Palace, Delta and Rewild Safaris.  And this year, the festival's competition structure was possible thanks to the time, effort, and extensive deliberations from the dedicated jury. We thank them for their commitment to bringing powerful nature storytelling to New York City audiences."

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Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild 
Since its network television premiere in 1963, Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom has been one of the most loved and respected wildlife programs in television history. The Daytime Emmy® nominated Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild, now airing weekends on NBC’s “The More You Know” time block, celebrates stories of conservation success, including the great work of caring, compassionate experts and how they are making a positive impact on the Wild Kingdom. For more information about Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom, visit wildkingdom.com