The DC Environmental Film Festival (DCEFF) is an annual showcase of 70+ incredible environmental films, screening across D.C’s local theatres, museums, embassies, and universities from March 19-28, 2026. During this 34th year, we have an exciting slate of programs to share with our family and youth audience. The full lineup of youth programs can be explored here: 2026 DCEFF Youth Program
The Festival’s Youth Programmer, Cate Latessa, shares her top 5 family-friendly programs below!
1. THE LAST WHALE SINGER (PG)
This unforgettable animated adventure takes you to the depths of the sea to follow teenage whale, Vincent, and his underwater friends on a quest to save their home reef. Uplifting, original, and funny, this film is perfect for the whole family to enjoy! This is the film’s D.C. premiere, and to celebrate our partners at Glen Echo Aquarium and the WDC (Whale and Dolphin Conservation) will be bringing ocean themed activities for kids!
Saturday March, 21 @ 1:00 PM at The Miracle Theatre in D.C.
Tickets: $10 (use code DCEFF26FP for free tickets to this program!)
Ticketing Page: https://dceff.eventive.org/schedule/6991eb830674ec121400d141
2. Bee-Wild (PG)
Exploring the vital role of wild bees in ecosystems, in this new Documentary from the team that brought you the Netflix hit, Kiss the Ground. Bee Wild highlights how saving bees benefits nature, food systems, and businesses alike. This event will feature a live post-screening Q&A with the film’s director, Josh Tickell!
Saturday March, 28 @ 1:00 PM at Navy Memorial’s Burke Theatre
Tickets: $10 (use code DCEFF26FP for free tickets to this program!)
Ticketing Page: https://dceff.eventive.org/schedule/6991e0a0afc3abbb6802f1a9
3. Ponyo (G)
Head up to the AFI Silver Spring, to delight in the world of Hayao Miyazaki with this classic Studio Ghibli Film. A young boy who lives on a clifftop overlooking the sea, rescues a stranded goldfish named Ponyo, a curious, energetic young creature who yearns to be human. An Origami activity will be provided by the event’s presenter, the Japanese Information and Cultural Center.
Saturday March, 28 @ 11:30 AM at AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center
Tickets: $5
Ticketing Page: https://dceff.eventive.org/schedule/6991eb830674ec121400d171
4. Shorts Program: Shorts: Science & Scientists (PG, Ages 10+)
Shorts programs are one of the BEST parts of film festivals. The DCEFF team curates a group of 3-5 short films, allowing you to experience a wide range of perspectives, filmmaking styles, and topics in one exciting event. Additionally, filmmakers will be participating in a live Q&A after the screening. If you have middle school or high school kids, this is a perfect way to let them see up close what environmental science and filmmaking is all about!
Sunday, March 22, 2026 1:00 PM at Navy Memorial’s Burke Theatre
Tickets: FREE-$10, (pay what you can ticketing)
Ticketing Page: https://dceff.eventive.org/schedule/6991e0a0afc3abbb6802f18b
5. Big Medicine: York Outdoors [Screening & Performance] (PG, Ages 10+)
This is the untold story of York, the Black explorer who played a pivotal role in the Lewis and Clark Expedition of 1803-1806. The film follows eight adventurers on a four-day river journey along the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument in Montana, a rugged and beautiful landscape that York helped to chart.
Monday, March 23rd, 7:00 PM at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library
Tickets: FREE (reservations encouraged)
Ticketing Page: https://dceff.eventive.org/schedule/699211be7a047c1c034dae1d
Please join in these family-friendly films encouraging a new generation to make the world a greener place! Learn more here: 2026 DCEFF Youth Program.
Guest Author Bio for Cate Latessa
Cate Latessa is the Youth Program Manager at the D.C Environmental Film Festival. Born and raised in the DMV, Cate’s work is rooted in a mission to inspire her community through the power of film. She is thrilled to work with DCEFF to encourage younger generations to connect and delight in the natural world.
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