The objective of Matsalu International Nature Film Festival is to present and give credit to new nature films and filmmakers and to contribute to the distribution of nature films. It promotes natural and sustainable lifestyle and respect for the traditions of indigenous peoples, deeply interwoven with nature.

The festival is a meeting place for filmmakers, whose films deal with the biological diversity and its protection, preserving nature as a habitat, or the life of indigenous peoples.It provides an opportunity to introduce Estonian film culture and create contacts between filmmakers from Estonia and other countries. It also host nature photography exhibitions, meetings of nature photographers and other cultural events.

The entries are judged by an international jury of five members, who are filmmakers and representatives of nature protection authorities. The jury awards the following prizes:
- Festival Grand Prix,
- Two first prizes (one in each category)
- Two special prizes of the jury
- Special prizes