About Edinburgh Conservation Film Festival: Full programme and drop-in fair

We are delighted to host the Edinburgh Conservation Film Festival for 2027, in partnership with Edinburgh Communities Climate Action Network (ECCAN).

Join us for a full screening of films shortlisted for the festival and an afternoon of activities celebrating conservation stories. 

Discover more about the beauty of our natural world both on our doorstep and across the globe. Be inspired by the ways individuals and communities are taking action to alleviate the challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss.

Programme

Film screening

Location: Auditorium

13:30-14:55 Film screening 
14:55-15:00 Edinburgh Conservation Film Festival prize-giving 
15:00-15:30 Panel discussion and audience Q&A 

A shorter, all-age screening will also be taking place from 10:30-11:30 in the morning.

Drop-in fair

Location: Event Space, Level 2

15:30-16:30 ECCAN community drop-in fair with stalls and activities

This free drop-in fair will bring together ECCAN member groups from across Edinburgh to showcase the breadth of community climate action happening across the city. 

From community energy and active travel to growing, reuse and repair, biodiversity and environmental volunteering, it’s a chance to meet local groups, discover what they’re doing and find ways to get involved and make a difference.

Pricing information

Ticket prices
Ticket typePrice
Member£10.00
Adult£12.00
Over 65s£11.00
Student, Unemployed, Disabled, Young Scot£10.00
Accompanying essential carerFree
Ticketing terms and conditions

National Museums Scotland have a non-refundable and non-transferable ticketing policy.

View our full Ticketing Terms and Conditions.

Our speakers

Further speakers will be announced in November when the ECFF films have been shortlisted.

A man, wearing a trilby hat, is smiling at the camera and standing in front of a background of leaves

Simon Dures

Our chair: Simon Dures

Simon Dures is a conservation filmmaker and conservation biologist based in Edinburgh. He is also the founder and director of the Edinburgh Conservation Film Festival. Much of Simon’s working career has been spent on the frontline of conservation in and around southern Africa. As a filmmaker, he aims to build positivity and hope regarding what is being done to protect the natural world.

Accessibility and facilities

We want everyone who comes to our museums to enjoy their time with us and make the most of their visit. 

How to get to the space

Auditorium

You can make your way to the Auditorium by walking through the Collecting Stories gallery. Go through the glass doors and the Auditorium will be on your left.

The door to the Auditorium is not automatic and cannot be opened by a push pad. During an event it may already be open or you can open it by pulling it towards you. 

Event Space

You can make your way to the Event Space by walking through the Collecting Stories gallery. Go up the staircase to Level 2 and the space will be on your right. 

You can also enter the Event Space from the Level 2 exit at the back of the Auditorium.

There is lift access via the lift next to the staircase. The dimensions of the lift are 137cm x 150cm (4ft 6in x 4ft 11in). 

The door to the Event Space is not automatic and cannot be opened by a push pad. During an event it may already be open or you can open it by pulling it towards you. 

Wheelchair access

There is significant space to use a wheelchair in both the Auditorium and Event Space. 

There are four designated spaces for wheelchairs in the Auditorium. Two are at the front on Level 1 and two are at the back on Level 2. You can access the upper spaces by taking the lift next to the Auditorium. A staff member will be available to give directions to the lift. 

These spaces can be booked in advance. Please contact publicevents@nms.ac.uk to book a designated wheelchair space.

You can borrow a wheelchair from the information desks at the Entrance Hall and Tower Entrance. They cannot be booked in advance.

Seating

Auditorium

Seats in the Auditorium are fixed and tiered. There are steps and handrails on either side of the seating rows. 

The seats are cushioned and have arm rests on either side. 

There is 18cm of leg room between rows. 

If you require a seat at the front or near the front, please contact publicevents@nms.ac.uk. 

Event Space

Seating in the Event Space is not fixed. 

Hearing indiction loops

There is an induction loop in the Auditorium. 

There is no induction loop in the Event Space. 

Toilets and baby changing facilities

The nearest toilets are on Level 1 next to the Lothian Street Entrance. There are standard toilets and an accessible toilet. A baby changing table is located in the accessible toilet. 

If you require a changing places toilet, please ask a member of staff.

Visit our accessibility page for general access information for the National Museum of Scotland. 

Our partners

This event is in partnership with Edinburgh Conservation Film Festival and Edinburgh Communities Climate Action Network.

Edinburgh Conservation Film Festival

The Edinburgh Conservation Film Festival (ECFF) showcases powerful, well-crafted films about conservation in practice. It aims to highlight the people, places, and projects actively working to restore, protect, and reimagine the natural world. Rather than focusing solely on environmental challenges, ECFF is dedicated to stories of action, progress, and meaningful change already underway. The goal is to celebrate conservation storytelling that informs, connects, and inspires.

Edinburgh Communities Climate Action Network

ECCAN supports community-led climate action across the city, helping people and groups connect, collaborate and take action towards a fairer, greener and more resilient Edinburgh.