Ease into your Sunday with our selection of captivating short films that take you on a worldwide journey, from the lush forests of Hawaii to remote Scottish Isles, and the bustling shores of East Africa to the desolate Siberian Arctic. Discover stories of indigenous leaders, marine scientists, renowned authors and dedicated volunteers as they strive to make a difference in their own corners of the world. From the challenges of conservation to the triumphs of restoration, each film reveals a unique perspective on the fights to protect our planet’s wild spaces.

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FILMS INCLUDE:

The Ghost Rainforest

Activist Narubia Werreria narrates the journey of five Amazonian leaders to a rare temperate rainforest in Scotland amidst the COP26 climate summit. The film captures a moment of indigenous wisdom in preserving our critical native ecosystems. (Directed by John Davies, UK, 10 min)

About the Filmmaker:

John Davies, a two-time student BAFTA shortlisted director and winner of the Jackson Wild ‘Emerging Filmmaker’ award in 2021, focuses on environmental and humanitarian themes. His work has been featured in Time magazine, Vice and Creative Review. He directed Stories of You and I (2021) an open letter to the Earth starring Jonathan Pryce, and is currently developing his debut feature documentary. johndaviesstudio.com

Haulout

Oscar-nominated for Best Documentary Short Film 2023, Haulout follows a solitary man on the desolate Siberian Arctic coast, anticipating a timeless natural gathering. As warming seas and rising temperatures disrupt the expected event, he finds himself grappling with unsettling changes. (Directed by Evgenia Arbugaeva, Maxim Arbugaev, Russia, 25 min)

About the Filmmakers:

Evgenia Arbugaeva and Maxim Arbugaev are sister and brother, born in the town of Tiksi, located on the shore of the Laptev Sea in the Republic of Yakutia.Their work often looks into their homeland—the Arctic, discovering and capturing the remote worlds and people who inhabit them. Evgenia is a London-based documentary photographer, a National Geographic Society Fellow, and has won awards including the International Center of Photography Infinity Award. Maxim is a director, cinematographer, and producer, whose previous film Genesis 2.0. (2018) won the Sundance Jury Award for Cinematography. evgeniaarbugaeva.com

If Turtles Could Talk

Kenya’s Jumba beach is a haven for diverse marine life and endangered green sea turtles, who face constant threat from poachers. Follow the tireless efforts of three locals dedicated to the turtles' protection. Part of the Scottish Documentary Institute's East African Stories programme. (Directed by Juma Adero, Kenya, 20 min)

In English and Kiswahili with English subtitles

About the Filmmaker:

Juma Adero is a Kenyan-based filmmaker and writer known for crafting unique narratives that challenge societal norms. His documentaries Shoto and Zumari, created in 2018 as part of a US Embassy initiative, have received much acclaim, and he holds a postgraduate degree in Development Communication from the University of Nairobi. Recently, Juma's film Hypnagogia won five awards at the Nairobi 48-Hour Film Festival, highlighting his multi-faceted talent.

Ola Ka Honua 

UK Premiere. Immerse yourself in the inspiring story of dedicated volunteers at Auwahi, a historic forest on the island of Maui in Hawaii. These remarkable individuals have spent 25 years restoring the forest’s former vibrancy. Through spectacular animation, the film spotlights how collective efforts can yield significant environmental change. (Directed by Jilli Rose, Australia, 22 min)

About the Filmmaker:

Jilli Rose, a self-taught animator and director based in Victoria, Australia, is known for her creative and collaborative projects, spanning game design to scientific illustrations to reconstructing ancient creatures. Her three short films Sticky (2014), Bright Spots (2016), and Ola Ka Honua (2022) have collectively participated in over 100 film festivals and won numerous awards.

Seabird

Acclaimed writer Adam Nicolson contemplates the troubling decline in seabird colonies on Scotland’s remote Shiant Isles, which he has visited each summer since childhood. (Directed by Conor Ferris, UK, 20 min)

About the Filmmaker:

Conor Ferris, a filmmaker based in Bristol, combines his artistic eye with a passion for science and nature. A graduate of the National Film and Television School, he has directed two award-winning short films and a landmark documentary series with the BBC Natural History Unit, exploring the beauty and fragility of the natural world.