Family Cinema with Therapy Dogs Session (Adults only)

The relationship between humans and animals has always sparked discussion. This unit explores the mutual influence between humans and animals, both positive and negative, prompting reflections that extend beyond the screen.

And a Happy New Year, Sebastian Mulder, Netherlands 2023, 20min

There are 365 days in a year, and at the end of it, millions of euros’ worth of fireworks go up in smoke in the Netherlands, as in many other parts of the world. Many people enjoy this, but for animals, New Year’s Eve is a total nightmare. To make their experience tangible, Sebastian Mulder’s documentary takes an original approach: in the run- up to the big night, dogs belonging to different owners are fitted with a GoPro, and we follow their movements.
From the first bangs during the day to the deafening spectacle at midnight and in the hours afterwards, we witness the tension, stress and fear of the animals and their owners. This is certainly no celebration. We also see the effects on animals in pastures and in nature—the panic among birds, rodents, goats and horses is filmed using infrared cameras.
The poetry of the nighttime shots and the fireworks filmed in slow motion contrast starkly with the trembling, panting and slobbering animals in bare bathrooms and under beds. No commentary is needed, the images and sound speak for themselves, and the message is loud and clear—even louder than the fireworks.

Mudi, Luo Qin, China 2024, 22min

The six-year-old Tibetan girl Rigzin Sedron came back to the pastoral area to live with her grandma in winter. An aged released sheep (MUDI) lost inspired her awareness about the truth of life in childhood.

Immaculate, Ningjing Wang, United Kingdom 2024, 15min

"Sometimes I feel like I am not a conservation researcher but an extinction accountant." In the remote landscapes of China, ecologist Amaël Borzée, driven by relentless passion, has dedicated five years of his life to understanding and preserving the legacy of the Chinese immaculate treefrogs, a once-thriving amphibian species now teetering on the brink of extinction. For hundreds of nights, Amaël immersed himself alone in tranquil rice paddies, listening to the haunting calls of the treefrogs. Sadly, with each passing year, their enchanting chorus grows fainter and fainter. This year, Amaël’s path crosses with Ningjing Wang, a local filmmaker whose love for frogs traces back to her childhood. United by a shared hope to save the immaculate treefrogs, they embark on an extraordinary journey into the heart of rural China. Together, they uncover not only the secrets of this elusive species but also the mutual challenges confronting both the frogs and the agricultural communities. In 'Immaculate', Amaël and Ningjing's quest becomes a beacon of hope, but can their joint efforts secure a future for this overlooked amphibian?

All of Our Heartbeats are Connected Through Exploding Stars, Dir. Jennifer Rainsford, Sweden 2022, Japanese and English with English subtitles, 77mins.

March 11, 2011. First, the largest earthquake in Japan's modern history and then, thirty minutes later, dark tsunami waves roar in over the coast of North-Eastern Japan. As the water retreats from land it drags cars, homes and lives out into the sea.

ALL OF OUR HEARTBEATS ARE CONNECTED THROUGH EXPLODING STARS is a staggering odyssey told as a philosophical and emotional essay on grief and regeneration. The film moves from the shores of Japan to the islands of Hawaii, via rarely seen places thousands of meters below sea level. We meet Satoko, a young woman who struggles with overcoming her trauma from the disaster and finds a way out of the darkness when falling in love; Yasu, who has done over 100 dives in search for his lost wife; Sachiko, who keeps writing letters to her husband that was taken by the wave. Meanwhile on the other side of the ocean, in the Hawaiian island of Kaho’olawe a group of volunteers are gathering to clean the beach from Japanese tsunami debris floating in from the Ocean, all while sharing stories of the afterlife.

To the dramatic tones of composer Teho Teardo’s music, we go on a multi scale-poetic-narrative, following the movements of ocean currents across the Pacific Ocean, to tell the stories of how humans and nature rebuild from trauma.

(Please be aware that alcohol will be served at the event; if you'd like to partake, you may be asked to present a valid ID.)

Family Cinema with Therapy Dogs Session

What secrets does the world hold? Children are curious, and adults are exploring. A little fish eager to jump out of its bowl, quarreling insects, the changing ocean, a puppy with separation anxiety, and a weasel darting through the city at night.This collection of short films is for all ages, inviting everyone to discover the world's wonders together!

Cat & Fish, Nilram Ranjbar, Iran 2024, 2min

A goldfish in a small container goes to a bigger pond with the help of a cat and the sun.

The Awakening of Insects, Xiaoqiong Zhang, United States 2024, 2min

The Awakening of Insects is a 2D animated short film presenting three scenes from insect life when spring is coming. Cute and silly characters wake up from their winter sleep and celebrate the awakening in their own unique ways. Through its lighthearted portrayal, it also encourages viewers to live life to the fullest and expect the next beautiful moment will come.

Disappearing Jewels, Will Kim,  United States 2024, 15min

Remembering the filmmaker's grandfather who was a blind man and walking weather forecast, Will Kim interviews ocean experts and brings his perspective on the impact of climate change and ocean warming.

Cold Soda, Huayi Yu, United States 2024, 2min

Your dog is always thinking about you and wants to get you a cold soda.

Before Dawn, Wei Xu, Japan 2024, 6min

One cold and damp morning, two weasels were wandering the quiet streets. They get separated at one point but are reunited. Just then, bells and alarms began to ring through the city, and dawn came.

Date & Time: 4th October 7:00 PM
Screening at: Studio Theater of CSM Granary Building, 1 Granary Square, London N1C 4AA, United Kingdom
Screening leader’s name & contact information: Baola Wang, baolawang516@gmail.com

*If you have any questions about screening, please contact the Screening Leader for that session.

How should we cope with the death of our pets? Is there an untold truth behind the meat on our tables? What happens to racing pigeons bred and trained for human entertainment after they leave the track? How far can the selfless work of stray animal volunteers go? These cutting-edge works by directors under the age of 30 explore the tense relationship between humans and animals within the context of modern urban life.

Barker
Director：Erin Christopher
Country：United Kingdom
Laika the Space Dog survived by becoming more human-like. She discovers sugar-coated propaganda about herself and reflects on her past—from being found on the streets of Moscow to her complex relationship with humans.

Last Love
Director：XinYu Huang, Chang Sun
Country：China
Set in a pet cremation and funeral service centre in Shanghai, this observational documentary reveals how daily decisions about life, death, and sorrow reflect contemporary Chinese society's approach to pet loss.

Kauaʻi ʻōʻō
Director：Samy Benammar
Country：Canada
This experimental film mourns the extinct Kauaʻi ʻōʻō bird through its haunting recorded calls, offering a poignant tribute to an irreplaceable piece of Hawaii’s natural history.

The Song of the Beasts
Director：Titouan Ropert
Country：France
Blending documentary and fiction, this film follows a journalist investigating a suicide. As his investigation unfolds, he uncovers the cruelty in animal slaughterhouses and decides to take action.

Chasing Otters
Director：Braeden Clete Meyer
Country：United States
A poetically crafted short film follows the quest to find and film the American river otter, showcasing their stunning habitat across sage valleys, frozen rivers, and snowy forests.

No.313
Director：Liu Xiaodai
Country：China
No.313 tells the story of a volunteer at a stray animal shelter, highlighting his psychological and financial dilemmas against the backdrop of cultural norms.

Life Finds a Way
Director：Cosmo Wong
Country：China Macao
After the rise of fax, telephone and the internet, the modern fate of pigeons fall into the niche and expensive sport of racing, a marginal yet fervent place.

Join Us for an Unforgettable Evening of Networking in the Film Industry!

On the evening of October 4th, immerse yourself in an exclusive film industry networking event at The Loose Box, an eco-friendly bar nestled in the heart of Westminster. This unique gathering will bring together influential figures from British film festivals, media outlets, production companies, distribution companies, VFX studios, and entertainment law firms. It's the perfect opportunity to connect with filmmakers who have outstanding projects in need of collaboration.

Be part of our pitch session and explore exciting new opportunities—this is a networking platform like no other, and it's not to be missed!

Event Tips: Want to stand out? Wear something inspired by ecological or animal themes and watch your conversations flourish! Plus, share with our staff which species you most want to see protected, and who knows—you might influence next year's conservation efforts. As a thank you, you'll receive a token for a complimentary drink.

We look forward to seeing you there!

(Please be aware that alcohol will be served at the event; if you'd like to partake, you may be asked to present a valid ID.)

Date & Time: 4th October 6:00 PM
Screening at: 1.3 Lister Learning and Teaching Centre, 5 Roxburgh Pl, Edinburgh EH8 9SU
Screening leader’s name & contact information: Peijia Deng, peijiadeng82@gmail.com
Screening Leader Intro: Peijia Deng is an independent film curator and producer with an MSc in Film, Exhibition and Curation from Edinburgh University and a BA in Film and TV Production from Teesside University. She has experience in film production and commercials, with her work premiering at the Royal Television Society, Cyprus International Film Festival, and Hong Kong International Youth Film Festival. As the founder of the TU Cinema Society and a screening leader at ANFFF, she gained extensive experience in film curation and event planning. Passionate about art projects that inspire positive change, she is committed to using her skills to make the world a better place.

*If you have any questions about screening, please contact the Screening Leader for that session.

How should we cope with the death of our pets? Is there an untold truth behind the meat on our tables? What happens to racing pigeons bred and trained for human entertainment after they leave the track? How far can the selfless work of stray animal volunteers go? These cutting-edge works by directors under the age of 30 explore the tense relationship between humans and animals within the context of modern urban life.

Barker
Director：Erin Christopher
Country：United Kingdom
Laika the Space Dog survived by becoming more human-like. She discovers sugar-coated propaganda about herself and reflects on her past—from being found on the streets of Moscow to her complex relationship with humans.

Last Love
Director：XinYu Huang, Chang Sun
Country：China
Set in a pet cremation and funeral service centre in Shanghai, this observational documentary reveals how daily decisions about life, death, and sorrow reflect contemporary Chinese society's approach to pet loss.

Kauaʻi ʻōʻō
Director：Samy Benammar
Country：Canada
This experimental film mourns the extinct Kauaʻi ʻōʻō bird through its haunting recorded calls, offering a poignant tribute to an irreplaceable piece of Hawaii’s natural history.

The Song of the Beasts
Director：Titouan Ropert
Country：France
Blending documentary and fiction, this film follows a journalist investigating a suicide. As his investigation unfolds, he uncovers the cruelty in animal slaughterhouses and decides to take action.

Chasing Otters
Director：Braeden Clete Meyer
Country：United States
A poetically crafted short film follows the quest to find and film the American river otter, showcasing their stunning habitat across sage valleys, frozen rivers, and snowy forests.

No.313
Director：Liu Xiaodai
Country：China
No.313 tells the story of a volunteer at a stray animal shelter, highlighting his psychological and financial dilemmas against the backdrop of cultural norms.

Life Finds a Way
Director：Cosmo Wong
Country：China Macao
After the rise of fax, telephone and the internet, the modern fate of pigeons fall into the niche and expensive sport of racing, a marginal yet fervent place.

Animal Nature Future Film Festival 2024

Shorts: Look Through Their Eyes

3 October Thursday 20:30-22:00

Observation, the most fundamental aspect of filmmaking, is also the first step in humanity’s exploration of nature. This collection of six documentaries delves into the lives of animals from various perspectives, capturing their calm, solitude, anxiety, fear, and vulnerability. If the first firework of the New Year brings blessings, joy, and excitement to humans, does it evoke the same emotions in animals? What do the mysterious rituals of flamingos gathered in a wetland beside a speeding highway reveal to us? As we follow 500 sheep wandering along the outskirts of the city, what might they be pondering?

Why Do You Come Here, Dir. Diego Pascal Panarello, Italy, 2023, 9min

On the outskirts of Sicily, nestled in a lush swamp, resides a common migrant: the pink flamingo. From this serene perch overlooking the city, the birds silently observe mankind's endeavors and, at times, its perplexing actions.

And a Happy New Year, Dir. Sebastian Mulder, Netherlands, 2023, 20min

An immersive experimental documentary told through the eyes of dogs, over the 24 hours of New Year's Eve, revealing our pets’ responses to human celebration and fireworks.

Encounters in Asturias, Dir.Antoine Courtois, France, 2024, 21min

In the heart of the Cantabrian Mountains in northern Spain, a camera crew follows the tracks of the elusive brown bear. But sometimes encounters with wildlife owe more to luck than preparation.

Beyond the City Park, Dir.Tomasz Kulpiński, Netherlands, 2023, 18min

As the seasons change, 500 sheep leave the city in search of greener pastures. This film uses silent observation to take viewers deep into the world of the sheep.

Farewell Changtang, Dir. Wen Lin, China, 2022, 18min

The film narrates the transformations faced by a nomadic family and their animal companions. The family feels uncertain about the impending city life and the separation from their beloved animals.

Total runtime:86mins

Lynx Man, Dir. Juha Suonpää, Finland, 2023, 1h22mins

A Finnish equivalent of Werner Herzog’s Grizzly Man, Hannu has a love and connection to nature that surpasses most. It is the rare lynx in particular that has bitten into Hannu’s heart – so much so that he actually claims to be able to speak its language. So when a dead lynx turns up in his forest, he dons an animal mask, crawls down on all fours and sniffs out the mystery through the mire and thicket. With hauntingly beautiful footage captured by hidden cameras throughout the forest, ‘Lynx Man’ paints a colourful and vivid twilight picture of the natural world around us – and of man’s impact on it. For no matter what Hannu does to live in harmony with the animals, he cannot hide from belonging himself to the species that is the lynx’s worst enemy. It makes sense that most of Juha Suonpää’s atmospheric film takes place in the twilight between dream and reality. Here, the vast forests come alive in Hannu’s hypnotic Night Vision footage of the nocturnal life of the lynx.

Date & Time: 3rd October 3:30 PM - 6:00PM
KCL student union-The Studio (Ground Floor, South East Wing, Bush House, 300 Strand, London WC2R 1AE)
Screening leader’s name & contact information: Zeli Yu, zeliyu0123@gmail.com

*If you have any questions about screening, please contact the Screening Leader for that session.

How should we cope with the death of our pets? Is there an untold truth behind the meat on our tables? What happens to racing pigeons bred and trained for human entertainment after they leave the track? How far can the selfless work of stray animal volunteers go? These cutting-edge works by directors under the age of 30 explore the tense relationship between humans and animals within the context of modern urban life.

Barker
Director：Erin Christopher
Country：United Kingdom
Laika the Space Dog survived by becoming more human-like. She discovers sugar-coated propaganda about herself and reflects on her past—from being found on the streets of Moscow to her complex relationship with humans.

Last Love
Director：XinYu Huang, Chang Sun
Country：China
Set in a pet cremation and funeral service centre in Shanghai, this observational documentary reveals how daily decisions about life, death, and sorrow reflect contemporary Chinese society's approach to pet loss.

Kauaʻi ʻōʻō
Director：Samy Benammar
Country：Canada
This experimental film mourns the extinct Kauaʻi ʻōʻō bird through its haunting recorded calls, offering a poignant tribute to an irreplaceable piece of Hawaii’s natural history.

The Song of the Beasts
Director：Titouan Ropert
Country：France
Blending documentary and fiction, this film follows a journalist investigating a suicide. As his investigation unfolds, he uncovers the cruelty in animal slaughterhouses and decides to take action.

Chasing Otters
Director：Braeden Clete Meyer
Country：United States
A poetically crafted short film follows the quest to find and film the American river otter, showcasing their stunning habitat across sage valleys, frozen rivers, and snowy forests.

No.313
Director：Liu Xiaodai
Country：China
No.313 tells the story of a volunteer at a stray animal shelter, highlighting his psychological and financial dilemmas against the backdrop of cultural norms.

Life Finds a Way
Director：Cosmo Wong
Country：China Macao
After the rise of fax, telephone and the internet, the modern fate of pigeons fall into the niche and expensive sport of racing, a marginal yet fervent place.

 Once They Were Here, Dir. Kiwi Chan and Dir. Hao Chit, China Macao 2021, 1 h 29 mins

The 24-hour veterinary clinic acts like a bridge, witnessing the birth, separation, sickness and death of animals that human ever loved. On the contrary, also filled with our hope and despair. Some of their lives are in danger because of human’s selfishness and ruthlessness.

Animal Nature Future Film Festival 2024 

2 October, Wednesday, 19.00-20.10

Animation Shorts: A Kaleidoscope of Creatures

In these short films, we embark on a journey with our animal protagonists aboard the Ship of Imagination, diving into the depths of the sea, entering dreams, and navigating through misty forests. The boundary between reality and imagination blurs as we enter new layers of reality. Among our creators is the youngest director, Nilram Ranjbar of Cat&Fish, who is just 10 years old.

Cat & Fish, Dir. Nilram Ranjbar, Islamic Republic of Iran, 2024, 2 mins

A goldfish, confined to a small container, embarks on an adventure to a larger pond with the help of a cat and the sun. A kid's animation full of childish fun, created by a ten-year-old girl

The Nighthawk is Not a Hawk, Dir. Junjie Wang, China, 2023, 8 mins

A scorned nighthawk, whose entangled in existential questions, searches for self-identity and societal acceptance.

Pond, Dir. Lena von Döhren and Eva Rust, Switzerland, 2023, 9 mins

A beautiful and vivid symphony of nature. The animation tells the story of how a small herring trapped in a tidal pool collaborates with other tiny marine animals to against the hungry seagull.

Flower Lantern in the Woods, Dir. Yiling Zeng, China, 2023, 6 mins

A timid rabbit searching for shelter encounters unforeseen danger and a mysterious shadow. A mouse with a flower lantern appears, illuminating a path to safety in this charming tale.

Greylands, Dir. Charlotte Waltert and Alvaro Schoeck, Switzerland, 2023, 12 mins

A haunting father-son hunting trip in a breathtaking mountain world, where swirling mists blur the line between life, loss and the fleeting beauty of autumn’s fade to winter.

The Forest of The Honey Bees, Dir. Erwan Le Gal, France, 2024, 20 mins

Colourful short animation where a violinist-beekeeper has to protect her bees and inspire her daughter with stories and legends about honey bees.

The Nighthawk is Not a Hawk, Dir. Junjie Wang, China, 2023, 8 mins

A scorned nighthawk, whose entangled in existential questions, searches for self-identity and societal acceptance.

Tahlequah the Whale: A Dance of Grief, Dir. Daniel Kreizberg, United States, 2023, 15 mins

Witness the heart-wrenching true story of Telequah, an orca mother who carried her sudden death newborn baby across the Salish Sea, sharing pain across species.

Total runtime: 67 mins

Date & Time: 2nd October 6:30 PM-9:00 PM
Screening at: Anatomy G29 J Z Young LT, Medical Sciences and Anatomy
Screening leader’s name & contact information: Yitong Wang, jessiewang109@gmail.com

*If you have any questions about screening, please contact the Screening Leader for that session.

How should we cope with the death of our pets? Is there an untold truth behind the meat on our tables? What happens to racing pigeons bred and trained for human entertainment after they leave the track? How far can the selfless work of stray animal volunteers go? These cutting-edge works by directors under the age of 30 explore the tense relationship between humans and animals within the context of modern urban life.

Barker
Director：Erin Christopher
Country：United Kingdom
Laika the Space Dog survived by becoming more human-like. She discovers sugar-coated propaganda about herself and reflects on her past—from being found on the streets of Moscow to her complex relationship with humans.

Last Love
Director：XinYu Huang, Chang Sun
Country：China
Set in a pet cremation and funeral service centre in Shanghai, this observational documentary reveals how daily decisions about life, death, and sorrow reflect contemporary Chinese society's approach to pet loss.

Kauaʻi ʻōʻō
Director：Samy Benammar
Country：Canada
This experimental film mourns the extinct Kauaʻi ʻōʻō bird through its haunting recorded calls, offering a poignant tribute to an irreplaceable piece of Hawaii’s natural history.

The Song of the Beasts
Director：Titouan Ropert
Country：France
Blending documentary and fiction, this film follows a journalist investigating a suicide. As his investigation unfolds, he uncovers the cruelty in animal slaughterhouses and decides to take action.

Chasing Otters
Director：Braeden Clete Meyer
Country：United States
A poetically crafted short film follows the quest to find and film the American river otter, showcasing their stunning habitat across sage valleys, frozen rivers, and snowy forests.

No.313
Director：Liu Xiaodai
Country：China
No.313 tells the story of a volunteer at a stray animal shelter, highlighting his psychological and financial dilemmas against the backdrop of cultural norms.

Life Finds a Way
Director：Cosmo Wong
Country：China Macao
After the rise of fax, telephone and the internet, the modern fate of pigeons fall into the niche and expensive sport of racing, a marginal yet fervent place.

Date & Time: 2nd October 6:00 PM - 8:30PM
Constantine Building Cg.05. Middlesbrough TS1 3BA
Screening leader’s : Bailey , baileybly87@gmail.com

*If you have any questions about screening, please contact the Screening Leader for that session.

How should we cope with the death of our pets? Is there an untold truth behind the meat on our tables? What happens to racing pigeons bred and trained for human entertainment after they leave the track? How far can the selfless work of stray animal volunteers go? These cutting-edge works by directors under the age of 30 explore the tense relationship between humans and animals within the context of modern urban life.

Barker
Director：Erin Christopher
Country：United Kingdom
Laika the Space Dog survived by becoming more human-like. She discovers sugar-coated propaganda about herself and reflects on her past—from being found on the streets of Moscow to her complex relationship with humans.

Last Love
Director：XinYu Huang, Chang Sun
Country：China
Set in a pet cremation and funeral service centre in Shanghai, this observational documentary reveals how daily decisions about life, death, and sorrow reflect contemporary Chinese society's approach to pet loss.

Kauaʻi ʻōʻō
Director：Samy Benammar
Country：Canada
This experimental film mourns the extinct Kauaʻi ʻōʻō bird through its haunting recorded calls, offering a poignant tribute to an irreplaceable piece of Hawaii’s natural history.

The Song of the Beasts
Director：Titouan Ropert
Country：France
Blending documentary and fiction, this film follows a journalist investigating a suicide. As his investigation unfolds, he uncovers the cruelty in animal slaughterhouses and decides to take action.

Chasing Otters
Director：Braeden Clete Meyer
Country：United States
A poetically crafted short film follows the quest to find and film the American river otter, showcasing their stunning habitat across sage valleys, frozen rivers, and snowy forests.

No.313
Director：Liu Xiaodai
Country：China
No.313 tells the story of a volunteer at a stray animal shelter, highlighting his psychological and financial dilemmas against the backdrop of cultural norms.

Life Finds a Way
Director：Cosmo Wong
Country：China Macao
After the rise of fax, telephone and the internet, the modern fate of pigeons fall into the niche and expensive sport of racing, a marginal yet fervent place.

Brunel University [Open to Public]

Date & Time: 2nd October 5:00PM
Screening at: Brunel University London, LECT E Lecture Centre, Kingston Lane, UB8 3PHs
Screening leader’s name & contact information: Niki Ashby, Niki.Ashby@brunel.ac.uk

*If you have any questions about screening, please contact the Screening Leader for that session.

How should we cope with the death of our pets? Is there an untold truth behind the meat on our tables? What happens to racing pigeons bred and trained for human entertainment after they leave the track? How far can the selfless work of stray animal volunteers go? These cutting-edge works by directors under the age of 30 explore the tense relationship between humans and animals within the context of modern urban life.

Barker
Director：Erin Christopher
Country：United Kingdom
Laika the Space Dog survived by becoming more human-like. She discovers sugar-coated propaganda about herself and reflects on her past—from being found on the streets of Moscow to her complex relationship with humans.

Last Love
Director：XinYu Huang, Chang Sun
Country：China
Set in a pet cremation and funeral service centre in Shanghai, this observational documentary reveals how daily decisions about life, death, and sorrow reflect contemporary Chinese society's approach to pet loss.

Kauaʻi ʻōʻō
Director：Samy Benammar
Country：Canada
This experimental film mourns the extinct Kauaʻi ʻōʻō bird through its haunting recorded calls, offering a poignant tribute to an irreplaceable piece of Hawaii’s natural history.

The Song of the Beasts
Director：Titouan Ropert
Country：France
Blending documentary and fiction, this film follows a journalist investigating a suicide. As his investigation unfolds, he uncovers the cruelty in animal slaughterhouses and decides to take action.

Chasing Otters
Director：Braeden Clete Meyer
Country：United States
A poetically crafted short film follows the quest to find and film the American river otter, showcasing their stunning habitat across sage valleys, frozen rivers, and snowy forests.

No.313
Director：Liu Xiaodai
Country：China
No.313 tells the story of a volunteer at a stray animal shelter, highlighting his psychological and financial dilemmas against the backdrop of cultural norms.

Life Finds a Way
Director：Cosmo Wong
Country：China Macao
After the rise of fax, telephone and the internet, the modern fate of pigeons fall into the niche and expensive sport of racing, a marginal yet fervent place.

Feature documentary synopsis

This film follows the rollercoaster journey of Maggy Stead as she battles to secure the future of one of Scotland’s most extraordinary homes: The Steading. Grade A-listed for its cultural significance, it is a work of art sculpted from wood by her late husband Tim.

The film weaves the remarkable stories of the passionate people who worked with Tim to explore how he evolved as an innovative furniture designer and wood sculptor, creating some of Scotland’s most popular public art.  Tim’s belief to put back in to the environment more than he took out led to pioneering the creation of the first community woodland in Britain which kickstarted the community land ownership movement in Scotland and internationally. 

A deeply moving human interest story about a family, the bonds of love and grief, loyalty and friendship, collaboration and community alongside our relationship with trees and Nature as a catalyst for our creativity and well being in the face of climate change.

“If we didn’t have trees, our planet would be dead,” reflects Giles Sutherland. 

Can Maggy and her friends protect Tim’s legacy to inspire future generations to create and work with wood? Or will it be lost forever? “Just a big bonfire”, as Maggy says in a moment of despair. 

Beatrix A. Wood - Director’s Bio

I look, see, question. I listen. Then I film.

I sculpt stories from words and images.

I create from my heart and soul.

I edit, hone and hew.

I share.

I have been making international award-winning films for over 30 years: from a Communist boy hero in Siberia narrated by “James Bond” to cult rock stars in Mumbai; from a Sami yoiker protecting her way of life in Lapland to a Presidential Aide framed for aggravated espionage; from Crofters on the Outer Hebrides to Red Army conscripts living on the run in underground forest bunkers in Estonia, from the largest unsolved murder mystery in Finland to Scottish fishermen fighting for their livelihoods in the face of Brexit. The films have won multiple prizes at festivals and been successfully distributed in cinemas and on TV around the world. 

Date & Time: 1st October 4:00 PM
Screening at: Little Titchfield Street 4.10A University of Westminster 309 Regent St., London W1B 2HW
Screening leader’s name & contact information: Lingxi Gu, w1899415@my.westminster.ac.uk
Screening Leader Intro: Chairman of UOWCSSA, majored in Photography.

*If you have any questions about screening, please contact the Screening Leader for that session.

How should we cope with the death of our pets? Is there an untold truth behind the meat on our tables? What happens to racing pigeons bred and trained for human entertainment after they leave the track? How far can the selfless work of stray animal volunteers go? These cutting-edge works by directors under the age of 30 explore the tense relationship between humans and animals within the context of modern urban life.

Barker
Director：Erin Christopher
Country：United Kingdom
Laika the Space Dog survived by becoming more human-like. She discovers sugar-coated propaganda about herself and reflects on her past—from being found on the streets of Moscow to her complex relationship with humans.

Last Love
Director：XinYu Huang, Chang Sun
Country：China
Set in a pet cremation and funeral service centre in Shanghai, this observational documentary reveals how daily decisions about life, death, and sorrow reflect contemporary Chinese society's approach to pet loss.

Kauaʻi ʻōʻō
Director：Samy Benammar
Country：Canada
This experimental film mourns the extinct Kauaʻi ʻōʻō bird through its haunting recorded calls, offering a poignant tribute to an irreplaceable piece of Hawaii’s natural history.

The Song of the Beasts
Director：Titouan Ropert
Country：France
Blending documentary and fiction, this film follows a journalist investigating a suicide. As his investigation unfolds, he uncovers the cruelty in animal slaughterhouses and decides to take action.

Chasing Otters
Director：Braeden Clete Meyer
Country：United States
A poetically crafted short film follows the quest to find and film the American river otter, showcasing their stunning habitat across sage valleys, frozen rivers, and snowy forests.

No.313
Director：Liu Xiaodai
Country：China
No.313 tells the story of a volunteer at a stray animal shelter, highlighting his psychological and financial dilemmas against the backdrop of cultural norms.

Life Finds a Way
Director：Cosmo Wong
Country：China Macao
After the rise of fax, telephone and the internet, the modern fate of pigeons fall into the niche and expensive sport of racing, a marginal yet fervent place.

The Mushroom Speaks, dir. Marion Neumann, Switzerland 2021, English, Japanese, Swiss German with English subtitles, 90mins.

The Mushroom Speaks traces possible alliances with the fungal reign. As if in an uprising of spores, the encounters of the film explore the theme of renewal, and question what connects us when the world seems to be falling apart.

As humanity continues to transform and reshape nature, Earth has entered the Anthropocene, a new epoch where its natural regulatory capacities face unprecedented challenges. These short films will showcase the lives of individuals and ecosystems across the globe that have been disrupted and impacted by human activities. They will also present reflections on these disruptions and the actions humanity has taken in response.

The Fog, Dir.Phinn Sallin-Mason, Switzerland, 2023, 17mins

As a thick fog descends on the village, Jackie and her dog Luna uncover the dark secrets linked to a nearby gravel pit. As the mystery unfolds, will Jackie confront her fears or leave the village vulnerable?

De Gallo Qui Ovavit, Dir. Nina Forsman, Finland, 2024, 15mins

A documentary delving into the mythical history of egg-laying roosters, exploring the blurred lines between genders, species, and eras. The film presents an ironic and thought-provoking examination of these fascinating creatures.

Good Guys, Dir. Uziel Francisco Ibarra Quevedo, Mexico, 2022, 14mins

As an important part of animal protection, a stray dog shelter in Jalisco bears witness to love and loss, as well as encounters and farewells.

After the Red, Dir. Marie Sizorn, France, 2022, 14mins

What remains after a devastating natural disaster? In this film, the filmmaker traces the memories and experiences left behind by a colossal forest fire.

Monster, Dir. Yunmei Tan, China, 2024, 21mins

This is the true story of Lao Luo, a 75-year-old veteran who runs an abandoned zoo all by himself.  Even though it is forgotten by time, this zoo carries the warmth between humans and animals.

Total runtime: 81mins

Daniel McCabe | USA | 2023 | 94' |

Synopsis：Grasshopper Republic follows a local grasshopper trapping team in verité style, as these modern-day prospectors push into remote forests seeking their fortune by capturing this elusive prey.
We witness massive generators being hauled up collapsing mudbanks. Light posts are erected with chemically treated bulbs, casting a lurid neon green pall over the tree canopy, irresistibly attracting the swarm to their corrugated iron traps.
With otherworldly visuals, these distinct universes collide with a burst of emotion. The trappers, who have suffered through injury, sickness, and exhaustion, finally have their moment and relief washes over them. As for the grasshoppers who have been lured into a trap through unnatural trickery, their path ends in a frying pan.
Shifting between these two perspectives sparks consideration for man’s relationship to nature and our collective effect on it.

This forum will feature 4 leading natural documentary filmmakers from various countries, who will discuss the profound impact of the film industry on ecological conservation.

The event aims to promote international co-production of nature and ecology-themed films and explore strategies to broaden access to funding and opportunities for filmmakers. Discussions will cover topics such as cultural differences in past international film projects, overcoming challenges, and identifying areas for development to increase the likelihood of securing commissions for both independent studios and production companies.

Hosted by Peter Venn

BBC Natural History Unit Producer & Ex-RSPCA Manager

Peter Venn, the committee member at the International Nature Bond CIC, has over 30 years of experience in wildlife filmmaking, producing for top broadcasters like National Geographic and Discovery. He has managed one of the UK’s largest wildlife rehabilitation centres with the RSPCA and currently directs the MA in Wildlife Filmmaking at UWE, where student films have won major awards at BAFTA, Wildscreen, Jackson Hole, and the RTS.

Guest Speaker - Jon Clay
Director of See Through Stories
Jonathan Clay is a seasoned filmmaker with over 30 years of experience in natural history documentaries. He has directed, produced, and contributed as a cinematographer to acclaimed works such as “Breaking Boundaries: The Science of Our Planet”, “David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet”, “Springwatch”, and “Human Planet”. His career has been marked by award-winning films for international audiences, pushing the boundaries where entertainment intersects with activism.

At Silverback Films, Jonathan spent three years developing impact campaigns for the Netflix series *Our Planet*, gaining unique insights into the successes and challenges of impact strategies. His work on *Breaking Boundaries* earned high praise from prominent figures like John Kerry, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Christiana Figueres.

In 2021, Jonathan produced David Attenborough’s speech to world leaders at COP26 in Glasgow. He later founded See Through Stories, where he focuses on crafting films that have the power to shift cultural narratives toward a more equitable and regenerative future. Jonathan’s diverse experiences, from the adventurous *Tribe* series for the BBC to his current projects, continue to shape his approach to storytelling and activism.

His Message: Ideas are the currency in this industry. How can we develop filmmaking to connect with our society and make a real impact?

Guest Speaker  - Qin Bo

Director at Qin Bo Studio, a subsidiary of SMG (Shanghai Media Group)

ANFFF Asian Ambassador for Ecological Conservation

Qin Bo, a renowned documentary director in Mainland China, leads the "Qin Bo Studio" at the Documentary Center of Shanghai Media Group. He is acclaimed for his medical documentaries "The World of Medicine" and its sequel, as well as his humanistic works "The First Time in Life" and "The Second Time in Life." These films have won numerous prestigious awards, including the Golden Kapok Award, the Jury Prize at the China Documentary Academy Awards, and the Best Series Documentary at the Shanghai TV Festival Magnolia Awards.

Recently, Qin Bo has focused on ecological documentaries. He co-directed "Seeds of Himalayas" with Tang Xinrong, showcased at the Venice International Film Festival. His program "Ride Along" was shortlisted for the Best Variety Program at the 29th Shanghai TV Festival Magnolia Awards, highlighting environmental protection and low-carbon lifestyles. His upcoming documentary "Above the Fields" documents rural revitalization, capturing ecological challenges and changes in rural areas over nearly a year.

Guest Speaker - Jianlan Li

Production Manager

Jianlan Li brings over a decade of experience as a co-production manager in both international and domestic projects. She served as the UK Production Manager for *Panda: Call of the Wild*, which is slated for theatrical release in China in 2024 and a worldwide release by Channel 5. Her expertise includes a broad, multinational perspective on topics relevant to such panel discussions.

Guest Speaker - Kean Cao

Founder of the Animal Nature Future Film Festival

Kean Cao is the founder of the Animal Nature Future Film Festival (ANFFF) and is experienced in bilingual event planning, independent curation, and film production. With over a decade of experience, she has worked on international projects, including NASA's Tour de Moon, and serves as PR for the Fido Awards and the Palm Dog Award at the Cannes Film Festival. Kean is dedicated to advancing animal welfare and environmental sustainability and is passionate about promoting cross-border initiatives that foster global harmony and ecological balance through her work with ANFFF.

VIP Charity Auction Night
Museum of London
28th Sep 2024 | 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
VIP & Guest Sign-Up from 7 PM

Four internationally renowned artists will present their latest creations focused on animal and nature themes.

All artworks will be available for auction during the event.

50% of the auctioned price will go to the artist and the other 50% will be donated to a relevant animal protection charity (With donation tracking).

ANFFF guarantee 100% of the auction profits will be donated to matching animal protection charity programs and will be carefully monitored.

Enjoy champagne, vegetarian delights & sweets, and top-class artworks.Get a healing and spiritual satisfaction charity journey from today.

(Please be aware that alcohol will be served at the event; if you'd like to partake, you may be asked to present a valid ID.)

The Works of the Following Artists Will Be Presented at This Event

Amber Tyldesley

UK

Amber Tyldesley’s high-impact pieces celebrate the beauty of the natural world in striking detail. A regular finalist in the DSWF Wildlife Artist of the Year competition, her work has won the People’s Choice Award and has been highly-commended by the judging panel on multiple occasions.

​Working from her studio in the UK, Amber builds her pieces in a series of layers to create a lively sense of depth, detail and luminosity. The interplay of light and colour play a key part in bringing a sense of life and individuality of every one of her subjects. Her original works are available for sale to UK and international customers, with her works currently featuring in private collections across Europe, Australia, Canada and the USA.

Amber's work is not only a celebration of the natural world, but a call to action, inspiring us to protect and preserve our planet’s wildlife. Sales of her work have so far raised over £15,000 for conservation projects across Africa and Asia. Amber views her art as a way to connect with familiar and endangered species, raising awareness of their often precarious positions within the world.

Dr. Jiyong Liang (Litang)

HK China

Liang Jiyong was born in Guangzhou in the 1970s. He holds a Ph.D. in Classical Philology from Sun Yat-sen University and is a scholar of philological research, a collector, writer, calligrapher, painter, art appraiser, guqin musician, and guqin historian. He currently serves as the Deputy Editor-in-Chief of “Artist” magazine in Hong Kong, President of the Hong Kong Guqin Research Society, Chairman of the Hong Kong Tianfeng Painting Society, Director of the Lingnan Guqin Research Institute in Guangzhou, Honorary Associate Researcher at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, and a guest professor at the Fine Arts College of Guangxi Normal University, among other academic institutions.

Alicia Hayden

UK

Alicia is a creative conservationist and wildlife artivist, originally from North Yorkshire – now based in Bristol. She has a degree in Biological Sciences from Oxford University, a Master’s in Wildlife Filmmaking from the University of the West of England; she loves to tell dynamic, engaging stories about the natural world using the arts – working across disciplines and media to challenge opinions and encourage changes in thought and behaviour. 

Alicia is a Daler-Rowney Artist & in 2021 her piece “When the Whale Sang” won the Human Impact category in Wildlife Artist of the Year. She is a researcher for the BBC Natural History Unit in children’s TV, as well as working freelance.

Tich 

Zimbabwean

Born 16 December 1986, Tich is a Zimbabwean Wildlife & Portrait Artist & has dedicated his life as a full-time artist. Pursued art as a career mentored by Sanele Dhlomo & the late Jimmy James Nkomo soon after high school & has sold art both locally and internationally. Many of his works have been collected by art collectors & art enthusiastic tourists. Inspired by nature and Victoria Falls’ rich, world-class natural beauty. “Art has a distinct and subtle way of speaking to the soul when done properly, provides a platform to communicate conservation messages without a struggle.

A short film collection from British filmmakers blends documentary, experimental, and animated genres, featuring the Australian white cockatoo's struggle against urban expansion, ghostly animals roaming the ruins of the Chernobyl nuclear explosion, and a young puffin lost on its first flight from the nest. The extension of geographical spaces brings us into diverse themes and environments

Rise of the White Ibis, Zygmunt Bannock, United Kingdom 2024, 17min

From a destroyed habitat to becoming a local celebrity, the Australian White Ibis is no stranger to controversy. But is it worthy of the historic title of Olympic mascot?

Intercellular, Dan Short, United Kingdom 2024,10min

Intercellular follows a single pond-dwelling cell, called Paramecium, on its courageous journey through life. In this microscopic universe populated by bizarre, even terrifying, life forms, Paramecium is beset by many of the struggles for survival we see in our world. However, generations of repeated cloning leaves Paramecium at risk of disintegrating. To survive, Paramecium has to find a mate to undergo an age-reversing transformation with – 'becoming their own children' in the process and starting a new paramecium dynasty. Featuring a synthesised composition which marries score with sound effect, created by Tomer Baruch (of Animals and Synthesisers), Intercellular brings us close to the hypnotic beauty and previously untold drama of this microcosmos, as if we were immersed in it ourselves.

Immaculate, Ningjing Wang, United Kingdom 2024, 15min

"Sometimes I feel like I am not a conservation researcher but an extinction accountant." In the remote landscapes of China, ecologist Amaël Borzée, driven by relentless passion, has dedicated five years of his life to understanding and preserving the legacy of the Chinese immaculate treefrogs, a once-thriving amphibian species now teetering on the brink of extinction. For hundreds of nights, Amaël immersed himself alone in tranquil rice paddies, listening to the haunting calls of the treefrogs. Sadly, with each passing year, their enchanting chorus grows fainter and fainter. This year, Amaël’s path crosses with Ningjing Wang, a local filmmaker whose love for frogs traces back to her childhood. United by a shared hope to save the immaculate treefrogs, they embark on an extraordinary journey into the heart of rural China. Together, they uncover not only the secrets of this elusive species but also the mutual challenges confronting both the frogs and the agricultural communities. In 'Immaculate', Amaël and Ningjing's quest becomes a beacon of hope, but can their joint efforts secure a future for this overlooked amphibian?

Puffling, Jessica Bishopp, United Kingdom 2024, 20min

Every summer 18-year-old Birta and 16-year-old Selma rescue pufflings (young puffins) at night on a remote island off the coast of Iceland. The pufflings leave their nests for the first time, following the light of the moon to make their journey out to sea and transition into adulthood. Unfortunately, the pufflings get lost in town, mistaking the harbour lights for the moon. Over one night Birta and Selma take it upon themselves to counteract the human impact on nature, exchanging night-time parties for puffin patrol, in a coming-of-age story of young adults and pufflings alike. A documentary about growing up and making choices, worrying about the future and dealing with encroaching environmental pressures. Puffling demonstrates the direct interplay between nature, the environment and human life, exploring the importance of younger generations taking action in global environmental issues.

The Birdwatchers, Thomas Winward, United Kingdom 2024, 13min

What does it mean to be a birdwatcher? Four women challenge the stereotype and share their love, passion, and fears in the world of birding.

​​

Pripyat Horse, Sally Patricia Pearce, United Kingdom 2024, 2min

‘A sparrow flies swiftly in through one door of the hall, and out through another…. Even so, man appears on earth for a little while; but of what went before this life or of what follows, we know nothing.’ Bede A moment for mourning, for a friend, for the earth.

Cat and Moth, India Barnardo, United Kingdom 2024, 7min

A fluffy white cat wants nothing more than to find the most comfortable spot in the universe, but little does she know someone else has their eye on it too.

Creatures of the Kaleidoscope, Hannah Jodie Alexander, United Kingdom 2024, 18min

Exploring one of nature's most magical creatures, the cuttlefish. Discover how they use their colour changing and shape shifting abilities to survive and thrive in the open ocean.

Biodiversity Special Screening➕QA

[NON-PROFIT screening; ticket charge is solely to cover festival costs]

In this special biodiversity screening, we will join WildAid ambassador Wang Yibo on a journey to discover the world of wild pangolins. Furthermore, we will follow independent filmmaker Samsul Islam Shopon as he delves into the ancient relationship between humans and otters, set against the backdrop of Bangladesh's unique ecological and cultural environment, which is now under threat.

Latika, Samsul Islam Shopon, Bangladesh 2024, 29min

LATIKA by Samsul Islam Shopon is set in a remote village on the banks of the river Chitra, Bangladesh, where families traditionally made a living by fishing with the aid of pet otters. Changes in climate and economic tides place immense pressure on this very old human-otter relationship.

The majestic and unique landscapes of the Himalayas and the Qinghai Plateau bear witness to the delicate balance between life and the environment. In these two films, we will explore this sacred land, experiencing the life-saving efforts of those who tirelessly rescue and release animals in the alpine meadows. Through the eyes of children, we will explore the cycle of life and the interconnectedness of all beings. As we delve into the towering beauty of the Himalayas and the stories of life and death, we will engage in profound reflections on the fate of all living things.

Qinghai-Tibet Plateau Wildlife Park, Chuan Lu, China 2024, 31min

Zhao Hailong, the veterinarian and head of the first team of animal keepers atQinghai-Tibet Plateau Wildlife Park, went through the external doubts about the purpose of the zoo and the loss of his elder brother, and then experienced the death of a yak he had personally treated. Despite these challenges, he and his wildlife conservation "teammates" have always firmly believed that all living beings have spirits. They are convinced that the animals they tirelessly rescue and release back into the wild will, in turn, stand on a higher plane, watching over and protecting humanity.

Mudi, Luo Qin, China 2024, 22min

The six-year-old Tibetan girl Rigzin Sedron came back to the pastoral area to live with her grandma in winter. An aged released sheep (MUDI) lost inspired her awareness about the truth of life in childhood.

DOG ON TRIAL, LÆTITIA DOSCH, SWITZERLAND 2024, 80min

Avril, an independently minded lawyer known for taking on lost causes, resolves to secure a victory in her next case. However, when Dariuch another seemingly hopeless client, asks her to defend his faithful canine companion, Cosmos, Avril is unable to resist. She dives into the absurdity of defending a canine client, confronting not only the legal system but also advocating for both women’s and animal rights. A lively and at times comical court case unfolds – where a dog’s life hangs in the balance.

Opening Ceremony Public Figures & Guests

Junwei Zhou - Actor/ Singer

ANFFF Youth Ambassador for Animal Conservation 

Representative work:<Story of Kunning Palace>

Qin Bo - Documentary Director

ANFFF Asian Ambassador for Ecological Conservation

Representative work: <A Green Trip>, <Life Matters>, <The Firsts in Life >

Peter Venn - BBC Natural History Unit Producer /Ex - RSPCA

ANFFF Final Jury 

Toby Rose - Founder of Palm Dog Award at Cannes Film Festival

Intro Guest of <Dog On Trial>

Taz Singh  - Actor

Representative work: BTS -RM <LOST!>, <Shinjuku Yasen Byoin>, <Tehran>, <Ulajh>

Elliot Grove 

Founder of Raindance Film Festival and British Independent Film Awards