At a time of substantial debate over endangered forests and wildlife, particularly tigers, India's premier and only festival of environment and wildlife films has as its theme this year "Forests for Life".

A range of environment and wildlife films will be screened at the Vatavaran Film Festival during Nov 21-24 and Vatavaran Awards presented to documentary films in eight categories.

Organized by the Centre for Media Studies and supported by the environment and forests ministry, this will be the third Vatavaran festival to be held in Delhi.

This year, more awards with cash prizes ranging from Rs.50,000 to Rs.150,000 will be given for films in the competitive section. Awards have been instituted for films on wildlife conservation, wildlife natural history, environment and public service messages.

In addition, awards will be given for the best animation film, student film and the most environmentally conscious broadcaster.

The last date for entries is July 15. A jury of eminent filmmakers headed by director Shyam Benegal will decide the award winning entries.

The number of entries in the festival has been increasing steadily from 100 in 2002 to 154 in 2003. Award winning entries at the festival will travel to different cities as part of Vatavaran Travels so that more people can view the films.

To encourage young, environmentally conscious filmmakers, the Centre for Media Studies will give several film fellowships, each of Rs.100,000.

The highlight of the festival's non-competitive section will be the best of Asian films and a retrospective of masters like Richard Brock and David Attenborough.