Terra Mater Studios takes home three wins at the IFF Water – Sea – Oceans, including the Grand Prix!

The Czech Republic-based festival celebrates documentary films about the worlds within salt and fresh water, and took place between 14-20 September 2026. Terra Mater Studios had three productions selected for the festival, and came away with awards for each of them!

American Amazon: Best Fresh Water Film

A swamp with cypress trees and knees. Text: AMERICAN AMAZON. Gold laurel reads, Best Fresh Water Film, Win IFF Water Sea Ocean, 2026. Mist rises above the water.

‘American Amazon‘ unveils North America’s hidden wilderness, with epic stories of survival, rare species, and breathtaking biodiversity in the swamps of the South. A co-production of The WNET Group and Terra Mater Studios in association with PBS and CPB produced by Grizzly Creek Films

Penguin Baywatch – Tuxedo Summer Bash: Best Film Story

A fluffy brown penguin chick stands by an adult penguin. Text and a laurel wreath overlay read: Best Film Story, Win IFF Water Sea Ocean, 2026. Other penguins are in the background.

Discover the quirky world of penguins and their clumsy neighbors on the Crozet Archipelago, where mystery, science, and humor collide in the wild! A co-production of Terra Mater Studios and Saint Thomas Productions in association with France Télévisions, USHUAIA TV and CNC

Shells – Shaped by Nature: Grand Prix

Close-up of a colorful seashell with text: SHELLS SHAPED BY NATURE. Golden laurel and text read: GRAND PRIX WATER-SEA-OCEANS 2026, celebrating a Win IFF Water Sea Ocean award, on a light aqua background.

Shells – Shaped by Nature is a tribute to the splendour of Africa’s seashells, celebrating the intricate marvels that grace the continent’s marine realms. A Terra Mater Studios / Rooted Media production in co-production with ARTE G.E.I.E.

Thank you to the IFF Water – Sea – Oceans jury for these awards, we are delighted to see these films making a splash at festivals around the world.