Hudson Valley Wildlife Documentary Wins New York Emmy
State environmental officials announced that a film on the region's rare habitats took home an award at the 69th annual ceremony.
By Naomi Tesfaye ·
A documentary focused on the Hudson Valley's plant and animal life won an award at the 69th Annual New York Emmy Awards. The film, titled The Nature of Nature: Biodiversity in the Hudson Valley, was recognized in the category of Environmental Science Long Form Content. Amanda Lefton, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation commissioner, made the announcement this week.
Lefton described the project as a look at the unique habitats thriving in the region. She stated that the department is proud to have supported the work. Lefton noted that the film is already sparking conversations about conservation and the role of biodiversity in healthy ecosystems. She offered congratulations to Laura Heady of the department and everyone involved in the production.
The film was produced by Laura Heady, who works for the department's Hudson River Estuary Program. Funding for the project came from the New York State Environmental Production Fund. Laura deNey of Flicker Filmworks directed the documentary. DeNey collaborated with Heady and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University on the final cut.
The documentary explores specific biodiversity areas identified by the department and Cornell University in the Hudson River Estuary Wildlife and Habitat Conservation Framework. It features interviews with local biologists and conservationists. Local photographers contributed images to the final film. The production was shot at locations throughout the Hudson Valley.
The film had its first public showing on November 20, 2025, at the Rosendale Theatre in Ulster County. That premiere event sold out. The movie later received a European premiere as an official selection at the London Nature Films Festival on October 17. It is currently screening at various locations across the Hudson Valley this fall.
Several upcoming screenings are scheduled for the region. A showing is set for November 4 at 6 p.m. at the Paramount Theatre in Middletown, Orange County. The Orange County Land Trust is hosting this event, which will include a panel discussion with regional experts. Another screening is planned for November 6 at 7 p.m. at the Congers Community Center in Rockland County. The Rockland Audubon Society is hosting that event, which will feature a presentation on the county's Natural Resources Inventory project.
Further viewings include a November 14 showing at 7 p.m. at The Sanctuary for Independent Media in Troy, Rensselaer County. NATURE Lab and Riverkeeper are hosting that screening as part of a Water Justice Lab celebration. The Kingston Land Trust will host the final listed screening on December 1 at 6 p.m. at the Restorative Justice & Community Empowerment Center in Ulster County. That event will kick off the organization's winter film series and include a community dialogue.
