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.
