Richard Sidey is an award-winning New Zealand photographer and filmmaker whose work focuses on wildlife, conservation, adventure and some of the world’s most remote wilderness areas. Based in the South Island, he has spent decades documenting the polar regions and photographing animals and landscapes in places ranging from Antarctica and the Arctic to forests, mountains and oceans. His images often capture dramatic light, powerful wildlife encounters and the raw beauty of wild places.

Alongside his photography, Richard is known for creating visually immersive films, including Speechless: The Polar Realm, Elementa, Spellbound and Whales in a Changing Ocean. He co-founded the New Zealand production company Galaxiid, and his work has received numerous awards for cinematography, wildlife and environmental filmmaking. Through both photography and film, Richard Sidey aims to encourage people to appreciate the natural world and recognise the importance of protecting it.

Official social media

Richard Sidey maintains official profiles on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and other social platforms. His official Facebook page is Richard Sidey, where his photography and films are followed by more than 2.5 million people.

Support

• Richard is a proud ambassador for Gura Gear and a member of their Pro Team

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RECENT ARTICLES & INTERVIEWS

Otago Daily Times • Testing kayak trip inadvertently generated award-winning film.
[News Feature]

Oceanographic Magazine • Fragile Realms – An interview with Richard about his recent conservation work in Dominica and Antarctica.
[Magazine Feature]

Radio New Zealand • Silent film-making in the age of lockdown – Richard talks to Lynn Freeman about the making of Elementa.
[Radio Interview]

Down in Edin • Elementa, a new film by Richard Sidey.
[Magazine Feature]

Otago Daily Times • Kilimanjaro flight film wins award.
[News Story]

Stuff • Richard Sidey and Aliscia Young document nature, together.
[Newspaper Feature]

Otago Daily Times • Pair’s documentary captures plight of rare turtles.
[News Story]

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AWARDS

3rd Place (2022)
The Sea Calls for Whales in a Changing Ocean

Golden Nikau Supreme Award and Best Documentary (2021)
AllShorts Film Festival for Spellbound

Hiddleston/MacQueen Award for Best NZ Made Film (2021)
New Zealand Mountain Film Festival for In the Theatre of the Gogs

Best Short Film (2021)
Inkafest Mountain Film Festival for Spellbound

Best Short Film (2021)
New Zealand Mountain Film Festival for Spellbound

People’s Choice Award (2021)
New Zealand Mountain Film Festival for Whales in a Changing Ocean

Best Short Film (2021)
Destination Unknown Film Festival for Spellbound

Honorable Mention (2021)
Destination Unknown Film Festival for In the Theatre of the Gogs

Best Short Film (2021)
London Mountain Film Festival for Spellbound

Director’s Award (2021)
International Ocean Film Festival for Whales in a Changing Ocean

Best Short Film (2021)
China International New Media Short Film Festival – Mountain Film Unit  for Spellbound

Special Jury Mention (2021)
International Air Film Festival – El Yelmo for Spellbound

Honorable Mention (2021)
Mountainfilm Graz for Spellbound

Special Mention (2021)
3rd International Mountain and Nature Short Documentary Film Festival for Spellbound

Best Visual Effects Award (2020)
OUTDOCS for Spellbound

Media Special Recommendation Award (2020)
OUTDOCS for Spellbound

Best Short Documentary (2020)
Carpathian Mountain International Film Festival for The KFC

Spotlight Award – Best Feature (2020)
Mosaic World Film Festival for Elementa

Best New Zealand Feature (2020)
Doc Edge Festival for Elementa

Best New Zealand Cinematography (2020)
Doc Edge Festival for Elementa

Hiddleston/MacQueen Award for Best NZ Made Film (2020)
New Zealand Mountain Film Festival for The KFC

Bronze Medal (2019)
Handle Climate Change Film Festival for The Last Turtle

Best Music & Nature Film (2017)
Wildlife Conservation Film Festival for Wild Antarctica

Winner, Aerial Category (2016)
New Zealand Geographic Photographer of the Year

Best Wildlife Film (2016)
San Francisco International Ocean Film Festival for Speechless – The Polar Realm

Runner-Up, Wildlife (2015)
New Zealand Geographic Photographer of the Year

Best Music & Nature Film (2015)
Wildlife Conservation Film Festival for Speechless – The Polar Realm

Best of Festival (2015)
Wolves Independent International Film Festival for Speechless – The Polar Realm

Best New Zealand Cinematography (2015)
Doc Edge Festival for Speechless – The Polar Realm

Youth Jury Award (2015)
XIV Baikal International Film Festival for Speechless – The Polar Realm

Finalist (2013)
Environmental Photographer of the Year for Speechless – A Disappearing World

Winner – Video Category (2013)
Connect4Climate, Washington D.C. for Speechless – A Disappearing World

Editing Competition Winner (2012)
New Zealand Mountain Film Festival

Special Jury Award (2012)
New Zealand Mountain Film Festival for Bikes for Africa

Best New Zealand Cinematography (2011)
Reel Earth Film Festival for Landscapes at the World’s Ends

Special Mention (2011)
Doc Edge Festival for Landscapes at the World’s Ends

Best Student Film (2007)
American Conservation Film Festival for Aeon

Best Short Film (2005)
DocNZ Film Festival for Aeon

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MORE INTERVIEWS & NEWS LINKS

Otago Daily Times • Testing kayak trip inadvertently generated award-winning film.
Oceanographic Magazine • Fragile Realms
RNZ • Silent film-making in the age of lockdown
The News • Film a meditation on wilderness, elements
Down in Edin • Elementa, a new film by Richard Sidey
Wilderness Magazine • Life through a Lens
National Geographic • Up Close With King Penguins and Elephant Seals
WildArk • One Thousand Words
D-Photo • Speechless: The Polar Realm / World Premiere
The Wanaka App • Wanaka filmmaker takes award