Last month, we shared that Cami Armendariz had been shortlisted for Planet Forward’s 2026 Storyfest competition. We’re delighted to share Cami’s short video won “Best Short Video” during this year’s 2026 Storyfest!
Planet Forward received a record number of stories at almost 240 entries, which became 24 finalists and six honorable mentions. Of that group, their expert panel of judges selected four winners plus the staff named a Framing the Future winner and readers chose a Fan Favorite as well.
These six stories take readers from the sands of the Atacama Desert to the streets of the Philippines, from the canopy of Costa Rica to the cornfields of Arizona, from the waters of Wisconsin to the islands of the Amazon, and beyond.
This summer, the winners will set sail on a new adventure: a 10-day voyage to southeastern Greenland with Lindblad Expeditions. Guided by Expedition staff, including expert naturalists and scientists, plus educators, students will head to the front lines of a changing climate to explore some of the world’s most dramatic landscapes — and the innovative solutions helping protect them.
For Cami’s video, judges said, “Our top choice demonstrates an amazing ability for voices and imagery to tell the story of why and how the restoration of sturgeons is so vital to the Milwaukee River. What drew us in the most was the editing quality being so creative and memorable.”