Mumbai: Warner Bros. Discovery has announced that Animal Planet’s Force of Nature, the new ITV documentary series narrated by award-winning actor Andrew Lincoln, has been selected for the Gala Premiere screening at the prestigious Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) 2026.
Scheduled to take place in Mumbai from June 15 to June 21, 2026, MIFF will showcase the first episode of the six-part documentary series on June 16 at 7:15 PM, offering audiences an early preview of a visually immersive exploration of nature’s resilience amid accelerating climate change.
Developed over three years, Force of Nature examines how extreme weather events are reshaping ecosystems and wildlife across the globe. Through cinematic storytelling and character-driven narratives, the series captures both the destructive force of hurricanes, floods, droughts, and wildfires, and the remarkable ways in which animals and natural systems adapt, recover, and endure.
Commenting on the Gala Premiere selection, Sai Abishek, Head of Factual Entertainment, Lifestyle & Kids – South Asia, Warner Bros. Discovery said, “Force of Nature perfectly captures the remarkable perseverance shown by the planet in the face of calamity through compelling and emotionally grounded storytelling. The documentary underscores Animal Planet’s commitment to consistently bring blue chip content that fosters a deeper bond with nature whilst highlighting its strength and ability to regenerate. We are honoured to present the series at MIFF, where its scale and purpose will resonate with audiences in a meaningful way.”
Highlighting the significance of the selection, Prakash Magdum, Managing Director, NFDC said, “MIFF continues to serve as a platform for exceptional stories that resonate across cultures and geographies. Force of Nature is a compelling example of content that combines cinematic excellence with contemporary relevance. We are pleased to present this special episode in the Gala Section of the festival and look forward to its engagement with audiences in India. The collaboration facilitated by Discovery through ITV Studios further strengthens the global character of the festival.”
The opening episode explores the increasing unpredictability and severity of global weather conditions. Stories include a burrowing owl mother protecting her chicks from intensifying tornadoes across the American prairies, cheetah brothers surviving record floods in Kenya, a young polar bear adapting to disappearing Arctic sea ice, and chimpanzees in drought-hit Senegal searching abandoned gold mines for water.
Across these narratives, Force of Nature highlights resilience, ingenuity, and survival in the face of environmental disruption.
Following its festival debut, Force of Nature will premiere on Animal Planet on September 19, followed by streaming availability on discovery+ beginning September 25.
The Gala Premiere at MIFF 2026 reinforces Animal Planet’s continued focus on delivering globally relevant factual storytelling that combines premium production values with urgent contemporary themes.
