UN Water Conference Sponsorship Appeal
Support a Young South African Filmmaker, Her Film School Mentor and the World Water Film Festival at the 2026 UN Water Conference!
A Global Stage for a Powerful Water Story
World Water Film Festival (WWFF) is seeking $15,000 in sponsorship support to bring an award-winning filmmaker, the educator who helped nurture her talent, and a small WWFF delegation to the 2026 UN Water Conference in Abu Dhabi.
WWFF has been accredited to participate in the conference, where we’ll present an official Blue Zone Side Event on December 10. It’s an opportunity to bring the human experience of water directly to government delegations, policymakers, international organizations and investors shaping our global water future.
48 Hours to Create A Story Worth Sharing.
Meet Michelle Name, a recent Film School Africa graduate whose film, Intsikelelo Yamanzi, won WWFF’s 2026 Grand Jury Award.
Created during a 48-hour film challenge, the 7.5-minute film came together in just two days. Michelle had to write, cast, shoot, edit, and submit it within that window. They cast the young boy at the heart of the story just one hour before filming began.
Through his eyes, the film shares a simple, powerful message: It feels good to help people.
Behind Michelle’s achievement is Katie Taylor of Film School Africa, whose educational program gave her the tools, encouragement, and opportunity to bring that story to life.
Now, we have the chance to bring both women to Abu Dhabi.
The UN Water Conference Secretariat has permitted WWFF to nominate Michelle and Katie to join our delegation, where we plan to screen Michelle’s award-winning film. Their participation would bring the perspectives of a young African filmmaker and an educator into conversations about water’s future, showing how creative education can help new voices reach global audiences.
Become a Sponsor
We’re inviting companies, foundations, philanthropists and individuals who believe in water security, African youth, education and storytelling to help make this possible.
Our immediate deadline is Friday, November 13, when we must submit participant names for UN approval. Sponsorship commitments now will help us move forward with their participation.
To discuss a lead sponsorship or a contribution toward travel and accommodations, please message WWFF Founder and Executive Director Robert Strand directly. An introduction to a potential sponsor or a share with your network can also help us reach this goal.
Learn more about our official UN Blue Zone event.
Help us bring Michelle’s film, her voice and the educational program behind her achievement to the world stage.
When people feel water stories, they act on water futures.
