Welcome students and teachers
If you’re looking for info on the festival and ideas for year-round environmental STEAM-based learning, you’re in the right place!
CEFF 4 Classrooms
Enjoy a unique FREE film screening designed with students (grades 4th-12th) in mind! This special film program is offered both as an in-person field trip and as a virtual (on-demand) program at your place. CEFF 4 Classrooms includes youth-friendly environmental films, selected from the best recent environmental films. Selected films will range in length and subject matter.
FREE! PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED TO RESERVE SPACE FOR ALL OF YOUR STUDENTS.
Registration opens in September.
- Option 1: Free Virtual Film Access! Choose from the Virtual Classroom collection and watch the films in your classroom when it fits your class schedule during the spring 2026. Films will be screened on our Virtual Festival Platform – Eventive. Each participating teacher will receive one free digital unlock codes to stream the films in your classroom from the Eventive site for in-person learning. We will provide detailed directions and technical support to all classrooms registered.
- Option 2: Festival Field Trip – Enjoy an In-Person Field Trip to view a variety of youth-friendly environmental films! Specially programmed with students (grades 4th-12th) in mind, this special FREE youth film screening will take place in-person during our festival on Friday, February 20, 2026 (10am-12:30pm). CEFF 4 Classrooms also include a special Q&A session with filmmakers and other field experts related to the film topics!
Registration is first-come, first-served and we expect the event to sell out. We will contact you via email/phone to confirm and finalize plans. There is no charge for this event however donations are always accepted.
Extras: As a thank you, teachers will also receive one additional free digital unlock code to be used for an online film screening of your choice during the virtual cinema (February 23-March 1, 2026)
Filmmaking
CIC is a free, NGSS and ELA-aligned STEAM program that challenges students in grades 3-12 to design unique strategies for mitigating carbon emissions and adapting to climate change impacts. Students are then asked to create a short video (under 4 minutes) that showcases their strategies in an engaging and informative fashion. They provide teacher training and support throughout the school year and students have the opportunity to win cash prizes and other accolades for outstanding work.
Open Media Generation is a free, weekly program for Denver Metro youth. Members can access studios, take classes, and rent equipment to create video and audio media.
Are you a young filmmaker with a passion for the environment and social justice? The Young Filmmakers Online Academy is for 3rd through 8th graders and covers scriptwriting, sound, lighting, editing, and citing sources so that you can make a film for yourself or to enter CEFF and other film festivals!
Get Involved with CEFF
Students – Create and submit a short film telling the story of an environmental issue or a natural space you care about. Share your creaitivity and inspire activism!
Enjoy a premiere screening of your film at the annual festival in Golden, CO and be eligible to win $250 if selected as the Best Youth Film of the year!
Assist the film committee in selecting films for the next festival as a junior judge.