Mumbai, June 12: Warner Bros. Discovery announced that Animal Planet’s Force of Nature, the new ITV series narrated by award-winning actor Andrew Lincoln, has been selected for the Gala Premiere screening at the upcoming Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) 2026. The festival will be held in Mumbai from June 15 to 21, 2026. The first episode of the show will be screened on June 16 at 19:15 hrs, giving festival audiences an early look at a series that brings together cinematic storytelling and a timely exploration of how nature is responding to a rapidly changing climate.
Three years in the making and narrated across six episodes, Force of Nature examines the impact of extreme weather on the ecosystem and wildlife around the world. At the same time, it showcases nature’s extraordinary ability to fight back, adapt, recover and endure. Through richly observed, character-led storytelling, the series captures the force of hurricanes, floods, droughts and wildfires, while following the resilience of nature and ingenuity of animals adapting to a rapidly changing planet. It is a series that brings together urgency with emotional depth, creating a viewing experience that is inspiring and heartfelt.
Speaking 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.”
Shri. 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 first episode highlights how the weather across the globe is becoming more violent and less predictable. On the American prairies, a burrowing owl mother uses her extraordinary hearing and underground burrows to protect her chicks as tornadoes intensify. In Kenya, two veteran cheetah brothers navigate record-breaking floods and deadly rivals. While, in the Arctic, a young polar bear is driven inland after losing the summer sea ice she depends on. In drought-stricken Senegal, chimpanzees dig wells and search abandoned gold mines for water. Across each of these stories, Force of Nature reveals resilience, ingenuity and courage in the face of relentless environmental change.
Post the festival debut, Force of Nature will premiere on Animal Planet on September 19 and on discovery+ on September 25.
The Gala Premiere screening at MIFF 2026 underscores Animal Planet’s commitment to stories that travel across borders while speaking to urgent global realities, and to factual programming that combines premium craft with contemporary significance.