Narrated by Peter Capaldi, Riverwoods is a stunning exploration of the intricate relationship between Scotland's forests and its Atlantic salmon populations, probing the crucial impact they have on each other and wider ecosystems. Documented over three years, the film underscores the decline of these iconic fish, once abundant in Scotland's rivers, and the resultant consequences for the surrounding forest life. Riverwoods goes beyond mere observation; it shines a spotlight on innovative rewilding projects and diligent conservation efforts aimed at reversing these impacts. A celebration of interconnectedness in nature, the film emphasises the vital need for ecosystem restoration to combat biodiversity loss and mitigate climate change. (Directed by Mat Larkin, UK, 51 min)

The screening will be followed by a live onstage Q&A with the film's producer Peter Cairns, Executive Director of SCOTLAND: The Big Picture.

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About the filmmaker:

Mat Larkin is a conservationist, filmmaker, and cameraman. He has worked with a multitude of broadcast and commercial clients for the past 15 years, including BBC, STV, and Channel 5. In 2015, he was awarded the Eden Channel's Nature Filmmaker of the Year by UKTV. Mat lives in Cairngorms National Park, where he develops SCOTLAND: The Big Picture's expanding film portfolio.

Peter Cairns has spent over two decades as a photographer, videographer, nature tourism operator, and environmental communicator. He is co-founder of SCOTLAND: The Big Picture, having previously directed major conservation initiatives. A long-time advocate for rewilding, Peter is a serving board member of Trees for Life, and is a Senior Fellow of the International League of Conservation Photographers.

With short film:

Beavers About Town

Take a peek into the extraordinary lives of over 230 European beavers who have made the bustling city of Vienna their home. This delightful short film provides a unique window into the rich, often unseen, wildlife around us. (Directed by Yaz Ellis and Jack Mifflin, UK, 9 min)

About the Filmmakers:

Yaz Ellis and Jack Mifflin are award-winning wildlife filmmakers and cinematographers, based in Vienna. Their work has been recognised by the American Society of Cinematographers, the United Nations and Jackson Wild. They focus on creating films about how wildlife is adapting to and challenged by our increasingly urban and human world.

Thank you to Scotia Seeds for their generous sponsorship of this event: