New York, April 3, 2026 – To celebrate Earth Month, reporters are invited to cover a private invitation-only VIP event for REEL WILD™️ New York Film Festival at The Paley Center for Media and to cover the 2nd annual REEL WILD™️ New York a four-day film festival in Manhattan.

REEL WILD™️ New York is a platform for showcasing films and for sparking action for wildlife, with award-winning filmmakers flying into NYC from all over the world. Through each of the 28 award-winning films and official selects, audience interaction and community partnership, REEL WILD™️ NEW YORK seeks to inspire viewers to become active participants in the conservation of wildlife and the environment. The films feature exotic wild places as well as our own local environs, including The Bronx. The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), NYC’s own global conservation organization and operating the largest urban collection of 4 zoos and an aquarium, is launching REEL WILD™️, as a juried festival, which includes Oscar-short-listed films, and Emmy-Award winning programs, that bring the wonders of wildlife and nature to the big screen.  

What: Two Events to Consider Covering

When:

The VIP Event, The Paley Center for Media, Wednesday, April 22

5:30PM EDT call time for press and Green Carpet. 6 PM EDT reception; 7PM panel discussion with filmmakers and conservationists with Sara Haines co-Host of The View moderating 

Four-day, REEL WILD™️ New York Film Festival, Thursday April 23 - Sunday April 26

See full schedule here: https://www.wcs.org/reelwild/films

Where: 

The VIP event at The Paley Center for Media, 25 W 52nd, NYC

The REEL WILD™️ New York Film Festival, AMC Lincoln Square 13,1998 Broadway, NYC

Who: 

At the VIP REEL WILD™️ New York Event
Hosts: John Calvelli, EVP of Public Affairs for WCS
Naturi Naughton-Lewis, Actress and Director
Sara Haines Co-Host of The View
A Panel discussion moderated by Sara Haines will include the award-winning filmmakers,  conservationists, and Wildlife Conservation Society CEO, Adam Falk 

At REEL WILD™️ New York Film Festival

This year’s slate of award-winning films include "Best In Fest" A Life Illuminated, by celebrated Director and Emmy-Nominated Producer, Tasha Van Zandt; Oscar-short listed and The Bronx-featured Keeper (New York’s Wildest Award) and Second Nature (Special Jury Award) narrated by Elliot Page, both Friday night, April 24 6PM & 7PM respectively; Snow Leopard Sisters (Best Conservation Award) kicking off the festival, April 23 7PM and Bring Them Home from Oscar-Nominated Lily Gladstone, wrapping up the festival on Sunday 2PM. 

All award-winning films are followed by a Q&A with the respective award-winning filmmakers & conservationists. Evening screenings include a cocktail reception afterwards. 

The in-theater premiere of Disneynature’s Orangutan screens Saturday April 25 6PM

Family Day with Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild with Co-Hosts, Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant and Peter Gros. Includes select 20-minute episodes, face painting, temporary tattoos, goodie bags, and more. Sunday, April 26 10AM - 12PM.

See full schedule with credits HERE

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