Animal Planet’s upcoming documentary series ‘Force of Nature’ has been selected for a Gala Premiere screening at the Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) 2026, marking a significant milestone for the Warner Bros. Discovery-backed production. The screening will take place on June 16 at 7.15 pm during the festival, which is scheduled to be held in Mumbai from June 15 to 21.

According to a Warner Bros. Discovery press release, the first episode of the six-part series will be showcased at the prestigious documentary and non-fiction film festival, offering audiences an early look at a project that explores how wildlife and ecosystems are adapting to the growing challenges posed by climate change.

Narrated by award-winning actor Andrew Lincoln, ‘Force of Nature’ has been three years in the making and combines cinematic storytelling with real-life accounts of survival and resilience in some of the world’s most extreme environments. The series examines the impact of increasingly severe weather events, including hurricanes, floods, droughts and wildfires, while highlighting the remarkable ways animals and ecosystems respond to these challenges.

The opening episode focuses on the growing unpredictability of weather patterns across the globe. It follows a burrowing owl mother on the American prairies as she protects her chicks from intensifying tornadoes, two cheetah brothers in Kenya navigating devastating floods, and a young polar bear in the Arctic forced inland as sea ice continues to disappear. The episode also documents chimpanzees in drought-hit Senegal searching for water by digging wells and exploring abandoned gold mines.

Commenting on the selection, Sai Abishek, Head of Factual Entertainment, Lifestyle & Kids – South Asia at Warner Bros. Discovery, said the series reflects Animal Planet’s commitment to delivering premium factual storytelling that deepens audiences’ connection with nature while showcasing its ability to adapt and regenerate in the face of adversity.

Prakash Magdum, Managing Director of the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), said MIFF continues to celebrate stories that resonate across borders and cultures. He noted that ‘Force of Nature’ combines strong cinematic craftsmanship with contemporary relevance, making it a fitting addition to the festival’s Gala Section.

The documentary has been produced with a strong focus on character-led storytelling, using individual animal journeys to illustrate broader environmental realities. By balancing the urgency of climate-related challenges with stories of hope and adaptation, the series aims to offer a nuanced perspective on the changing relationship between wildlife and the natural world.

Following its festival premiere, ‘Force of Nature’ will debut on Animal Planet on September 19, while streaming platform discovery+ will premiere the series on September 25.

The selection at MIFF 2026 further highlights the growing importance of environmental storytelling within global factual entertainment and reinforces Animal Planet’s focus on producing content that combines visual excellence with socially relevant themes.