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The Ankara International Wildlife Documentary Film Festival is exclusively dedicated to documentaries about wildlife. Therefore, it can be considered “the first of its kind” in Türkiye.
From the festival: ¨In recent years, as the number of wildlife-related productions in Türkiye has begun to grow, a certain conceptual confusion has also emerged. Documentary, as an art form, is not only about capturing images. Documentaries that have a story, artistic and aesthetic concerns, and a purpose and coherence are very different from mere compilations of footage presented as video clips or programs filmed in a television format.
In order to draw attention to these differences, we would like to connect wildlife documentaries and their teams from around the world with both the audience and those who wish to create wildlife documentaries, whether professionally or as amateurs. Establishing new acquaintances, keeping up with innovations in the world, being a pioneer in some areas, and perhaps facilitating collaborations and joint productions are among our objectives.
The wildlife documentary film festival, which we started as our first step based on these thoughts, will take place in the capital city of Ankara. Please note the dates May 15 - 18, 2025! We aim to present a packed festival program over four days, including documentary film screenings, discussions with film crews, workshops, and seminars.
The festival will also include a competition section in which documentary films from around the world will be assessed in both the feature-length and short film categories. The awards given are primarily intended as incentives. Every documentary that reaches the finals is already selected from among hundreds of submissions to meet the audience. Awards aim to provide some moral support to the teams producing documentaries with great difficulties and patience, showing that their efforts are rewarded.¨
The documentary competition within the scope of the Ankara International Wildlife Documentary Film Festival is organised into two categories:
Short Documentary Category - Documentaries with a duration of 20 - 51 minutes including credits Feature Documentary Category - Documentaries with a duration of 52 - 90 minutes including credits
The directors of the winning documentaries will receive a statuette and a plaque.
Depending on the number of submitted and finalist documentaries, the Festival Committee may decide not to award certain prizes or to give various honorable mention awards.
Best Feature Documentary
Best Short Documentary
Special Jury Award – Feature
Special Jury Award – Short
The finalists were announced on the 10th of February ... the festival organisers said ¨The long-awaited moment has arrived! Many thanks to all the documentary filmmakers who supported us in the first year of our festival and submitted their works. Congratulations to the finalists! We can't wait to see you at the festival!¨
Santa Cruz Island is home to the world’s smallest species of fox. A few years ago, victims of predation, the number of these tiny foxes drastically reduced, also threatening the natural balance of the island. Today, thanks to conservation efforts, the species is once again flourishing. But for the tiny fox, survival is a constant battle. On the island, a couple are about to give birth to their last litter. Following the adventures of this adorable family of foxes, this 100% wildlife documentary plunges us into the heart of an exceptionally rich island and highlights the challenges of its preservation.
Emma Baus has written and directed about twenty Nature, Science and Discoveries documentaries. Shot and distributed worldwide, her films have won awards at festivals (“The Mystery of the Feathered Dragons”, Pariscience Innovation award or “Racoons, Survival Warriors”, Special Mention at Matsalu Film Festival). She loves to write and direct films exploring the links between animals, humans and their environments. Her multiple experiences give her a fresh look bringing together aesthetics and knowledge. To quote the press, Emma’s films are “fun, charming, captivating, poetic, and smart”. Her touch? Making real life look like a fairytale.
A documentary film about the adventures of a snow leopard in the severe Altai Mountains… Enchanting uncharted nature and the most elusive wild cat – the snow leopard... The independent life of a young snow leopard is challenging: it learns to survive, find shelter, and interact with other animals. The work of wildlife experts is also complex: many dangers push rare species of animals to the brink of extinction. The two storylines of the documentary film intersect in an exciting finale against the backdrop of the breathtaking beauty of the Altai Mountains.
Vadim Vitovtsev was born in 1981 in the Pskov region. He moved with his parents to Gorny Altai at the age of 7. In 1998, he became a student of the Faculty of Philosophy at Tomsk State University, then transferred to the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at RUDN. In 2007, he completed courses in television directing at the Faculty of Film and TV Directing at the Humanitarian Institute of Television and Radio Broadcasting named after M. Litovchin. He started his first job on television in 2008, and later began shooting documentary films and programs. Ilya Tsyganov was born in Moscow. He started his TV career in 2000. He worked as cameraman, director’s assistant, picture editor, reporter, anchor, producer, author, designer and director. He is the winner of various TV awards, such as TEFI, Golden Beam, MediaBrand, Golden Paramount, and others. Since 2015, he is the Chief Director of Living Planet TV Channel.
Wind was the weakest cub in the fox family. By chance, he becomes the only one who survived the bear onslaught. Overcoming the challenges of his first winter, he earns the affection of the enchanting Lava. But spring returns, so do the bears.
Dmitry Shpilenok graduated from Moscow State Art and Cultural University, majoring in film and TV directing. He is a documentary filmmaker, and was the lead operator of the film “Kamchatka Bears - Life Begins” (24 awards, 2018 Golden Eagle award in the category Best Documentary, Russian Geographical Society award in the category Best Media Project). Among his other documentaries are “Saiga - Karma of the Steppes” (2005, 26 min), and “Sockeye Salmon - Red Fish” (2020, 51 min).
A true coming-of-age story about three orphaned desert lion cubs who discovered a most remarkable way of survival along the mystical shores of Namibia’s Skeleton Coast. A story as surprising as it is inspiring: a true-life drama about resilience and survival. Documented over eight years, we follow the ground-breaking work of lion researcher Dr Philip Stander as he witnesses the orphaned cubs’ incredible journey, from their first unsteady steps in the heart of the desert, to their remarkable discovery of an extraordinary life along the hostile Skeleton Coast.
After more than a decade in the wildlife and environment television industry, Will and Lianne Steenkamp ventured on their own in 2009 and started on an adventurous journey that brought about character-led, behavioral driven wildlife films with captivating stories. Having received international recognition for their films including two Emmy nominations, Best of Festivals, and multiple awards, they continue to reach wide audiences. Their work has broadcasted worldwide on channels such as BBC, National Geographic, Smithsonian, ORF, Arte, WDR, NDR, RTL and many more.
The waves crash against Cap Carteret, shaped over millions of years by marine erosion. It is here, between the sea and the vast wild expanses of the north, that an emblematic fauna that disappeared from the region in the last century has resettled. The Peregrine Falcon, that relentless hunter, has returned to territory occupied by its ancestral enemy, an animal of extraordinary intelligence, the Great Raven. As secret behaviours mark the existence of these free and wild animals, the landscapes and fauna of the island parade before the giant eye of the lighthouse.
After a master's degree in drawing and visual arts at the National School of Visual Arts of La Cambre in Brussels, Olivier Marin obtained his diploma in writing, techniques and directing of wildlife documentaries at IFFCAM in 2020 in France. His work as a filmmaker is characterized by an intimate approach to the wildlife of free individuals, where disturbance is kept to a minimum. At a time when the place left to the wild is diminishing immutably, the themes he tackles evoke a resilient nature in touch with its environment.
A land of sacred peaks and secret creatures, lost in the mists of time, somewhere between folklore and magic. A land that has challenged conventional notions of wilderness and showcased nature's remarkable ability to adapt and thrive in a new wilderness. This is a story of India's very first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve – the Nilgiris – one of Asia’s most intensively studied areas. This is the first feature length documentary about this region, that takes us on a journey of discovery and uncovers the many secrets that makes this region incredibly special.
Wildlife filmmaker and National Geographic Fellow Sandesh Kadur is known most recently for his work on “Our Planet” by Netflix and “The Okavango Experience” - a 360 degree, virtual reality series that follows National Geographic Society’s Okavango Project. Kadur creates award-winning wildlife documentary films and photography books exposing the need to conserve threatened species and habitats around the world. His documentary films have aired worldwide on National Geographic, the BBC, Netflix, Discovery Channel, and Animal Planet, and have won prestigious international awards, including a 2017 EMMY nomination and the 2017 BAFTA award for his work on BBC “Planet Earth II”.
Filmmaker Asgeir Helgestad documents the state of nature at his home country Norway, where he has photographed all his life. From the lives of bees at his farm, to wild reindeer on the high mountains, and puffins at the ocean’s edge, he shows the beauty of threatened nature and tracks down human actions responsible for its decline. This is a personal story on our connection with the non-human world, the relations between the small and the big, and a reminder of nature’s strength and vulnerability.
Asgeir Helgestad is an award-winning director, cinematographer, writer and producer from Norway. He has over thirty years of experience with documentary and photo. Nature has always been his greatest love and inspiration and his work reflects deep passion and empathy for his subjects. His documentary “Queen Without Land” (2018) has been shown in more than fifty festivals, received over thirty international awards, and reached audiences worldwide. His photography has received prestigious awards and his first book, “Animals in the Forest” (2001), received the Norwegian Ministry of Culture debutante prize. Asgeir established the independent film production company Artic Light in 2006.
In eastern Nepal, the majestic Asian elephant has coexisted with humans since ancient times. Yet, today, they clash over grain and land, leading to rising casualties on both sides. Amid this turmoil, Shankar Chettri Luitel has dedicated 25 years to fostering harmony between the species. The documentary captures the struggle, fleeting moments of joy, and the enduring hope for peaceful coexistence. Through this story, the film envisions a future where humans and elephants thrive together, united by mutual respect and understanding.
Bigyan Sapkota is a filmmaker from Kathmandu, Nepal, with a passion for storytelling. Through his work, he explores diverse narratives and creative approaches, aiming to connect with audiences in meaningful ways. His dedication to the craft reflects his love for cinema and his desire to share compelling stories.
The film tells the remarkable true story of a rare snowy owl's visit to suburban Southern California—the first such sighting in over a century. This unexpected encounter captivated the community, fostering a profound sense of unity and wonder. Through breathtaking footage and deeply personal stories, the documentary explores how the owl's presence transformed lives and inspired a deeper appreciation for conservation. Featuring insights from world-renowned owl researcher Denver Holt, the film offers a powerful reminder of nature’s ability to connect and heal us, while highlighting the critical importance of protecting our shared environment.
Christopher Angel, a lifelong birdwatcher, was captivated as a child by the release of three peregrine falcons near his home. Christopher went on to graduate from Yale University and the University of Southern California School of Cinema. He won a student Academy Award for his film, "Mr. October," and was nominated for an Emmy for his work for director James Cameron on the documentary "Expedition Bismarck". He has directed five feature films and completed the screenplay adaptation of Thomas Keneally’s ("Schindler’s List") book "To Asmara". He is adapting Stanford Professor Peter Stansky's biography of George Orwell as a feature film.
The documentary explores a border village in North Khorasan where tranquility is shattered by the disappearance of dogs and the fear instilled by a brazen panther. Villagers, instead of taking drastic measures, seek help from environmental authorities and experts. After ten days of struggle, they capture an old panther, shedding light on the mystery behind the dog-eating behavior. However, an unfortunate incident occurs after the panther is transported to Tehran, adding a tragic twist to the story.
Fathollah Amiri, a distinguished Iranian documentary filmmaker, was born in 1981 in Ilam. His passion for art and cinema began at a young age, leading him to Tehran to pursue his studies at the IRIB University where he obtained both a bachelor's and master's degree in cinema. With his impactful and realistic documentaries, he has vividly portrayed the lives of animals, people, diverse cultures, and social issues. His works have been showcased multiple times at prestigious international festivals and have won numerous awards. He is also committed to educating and training the new generation of documentary filmmakers in Iran. Nima Asgari is a graduate of environment and natural resources. He studied filmmaking at the Youth Cinema Association - one of the most prestigious filmmaking associations in Iran. He started his work in 2007 in the Iranian Cheetah Society as a researcher and cinematographer on endangered species, such as the Iranian cheetah. His films are mostly about the relationship between humans and nature, and the effects of humans on the extinction of wildlife species. Nima is now the main member of the Wildlife Pictures Institute. He has made more than 30 films and received numerous awards at international festivals.
The film sheds light on how even completely destroyed forests, for example after a forest fire, can quickly become an oasis of life. The reason why disturbance and openness of the forest ultimately lead to more life becomes clear when we look at woodland grazing - an ancient form of land use that has long been fought against and is now experiencing a renaissance. An integrative forest management that not only focuses on trees and timber yield, but also on biodiversity, climate and the inclusion of animal products in the harvest… A turning point that marks the preservation of biodiversity?
Jan Haft has written and directed more than 70 wildlife documentaries for televison and 4 theatrical films, and has received 270 awards worldwide. He has published 5 books with Penguin Random House. His current publications address the possibilities of halting the extinction of species and the loss of biodiversity and show how this can be achieved. Together with his wife and his three children he lives on a small farm where they keep water buffalos, horses and donkeys. With these animals they practice rewilding and then document the success of this practice – the return of species and biodiversity.
The sun provides the energy for life. Even in places where the sun struggles to penetrate the conifers, many inhabitants of the forest depend on light and warmth. When dusk comes, they become active - the animals of the night.
Clemens Keck is a filmmaker with a lot of passion, a fighting spirit and he is always searching for spectacular images and captivating stories. Clemens, born in 1998, discovered his passion for filming animals very early. After completing his Alevels, he worked for a year at the camera department at Nautilusfilm, which was a great enrichment. Following this, he went to Africa with Clemens Weishaar for a year to shoot his first independently produced film. After that, he founded the nature film production company "Animaliafilm." Tom Horak was born in 2000 in the beautiful region of Thuringia. Since the age of six, he has passionately photographed local nature. With over 13 years of experience in nature and wildlife photography and several awards in this field, he has a wealth of knowledge to draw from. His master's degree in forestry science provides additional expertise on the relationships and processes in the local natural environment.
Rivers can become a danger. This has been demonstrated by the flood disasters of recent years. Often because their natural course is itself endangered - straightened, channelled or dammed. This film tells of the amazing connections in a river that is still allowed to be a river of life. A river that can flow untamed and create... Here, otters, dragonflies and catfish are all links in a chain. Of life and death. There are no "disasters" in the river. As long as nothing flows in that doesn't belong there and destroys the natural balance…
Uwe Müller was born in Altenburg/Thuringia. After serving apprenticeship as a plumber he studied mechanichal engineering. He started his career as a nature filmmaker in 1990 with several short films. Since 1996 he is a professional animal filmmaker, author and producer of nature documentaries. He lives in Thuringia. “Gordos Reise ans Ende der Welt” was the first film he produced for cinema release. Many of his productions were awarded on national and international nature film festivals.
“Nika, the Pilot Whale”, is a documentary where Felipe Ravina, documentary filmmaker, scientist and graduate in Marine Sciences, establishes a connection with a pilot whale named Nika, on the island of Tenerife (Canary Islands). This unusual bond with the animal makes him increasingly concerned about the current state of the island and its biodiversity. He cries out to heaven for the protection, conservation and defense of the natural spaces and their fauna of this region where the largest population of pilot whales, unique in the world, is found.
José Hernández is a Spanish director and filmmaker and an unconditional lover of the sea. Everything José films bears the stamp of his subtle artistic direction accompanied by powerful visual narratives that give each of his works an exceptional character. With a long professional career behind him linked to advertising work for renowned brands, he made his great debut in the documentary genre with “Iballa” (2021). The autobiographical film has become a banner for the fight for women's equality in sports and won the Silver Viznaga award for best documentary direction at the Malaga Film Festival.
We trace the essence of life shaped by the rugged mountains and ancient forests of Anatolia. We witness the survival struggles of wild goats adapting to harsh conditions at the peaks and chamois accustomed to life under deep snow. These resilient creatures navigate rocky terrains with incredible agility, sharing their habitat with brown bears. Meanwhile, in the forests, the resonant calls of red deer blend with the melodies of birds, revealing the richness of this ecosystem. Starlings, jays, and the ever-present songbirds of the pine forests showcase Anatolia’s biodiversity. As the seasons shift, we breathe in the enchanting atmosphere of these woodlands.
Born in 1978 in Bursa, he graduated from Robert College in 1996 and Marmara University (Business Administration) in 2000. A professional photographer since 2005, his photos and travel articles have been published in BBC Wildlife Magazine, National Geographic, Magma, and more. He has traveled to 64 countries across five continents. Since 2009, he has been filming wildlife and nature documentaries, aired in 70 countries. From 2011 to 2015, he coordinated a UN-backed vulture conservation project. Passionate about photography, camping, scuba diving, and martial arts, Burak is a member of international documentary and photography organizations. He is fluent in English, intermediate in German.
The documentary is about conservationists fighting to protect seagrass meadows in Bodrum against coastal destruction. Seeking support from Corsica, where coastal preservation has succeeded, they build a deep connection between the two Mediterranean regions, once linked by Ottoman pirates. Realizing that tourism and population pressures threaten both areas, they unite under a common goal to protect the Mediterranean. In solidarity with the French Embassy and local municipalities, Project Posidonia launches an underwater sculpture exhibition to raise awareness. More than an environmental fight, it becomes a beacon of hope, proving that international solidarity can safeguard the sea’s future.
Born in Ankara in 1978, Mert studied engineering at METU and completed his bachelor's and master's degrees in physical oceanography and marine biotechnology at Miami and Ankara Universities. He earned his PhD at Wageningen University in the Netherlands in 2021. As a writer and photographer for Magma Magazine, Mert has collaborated on projects with organizations such as WWF, Greenpeace, and UNDP. His documentaries have been broadcast on BluTV, Iz TV, and Yaban TV. He has played an active role in projects like the Kas-Kekova Marine Protected Area and Project Posidonia. Since 2022, he has been working as a scientific advisor at the Underwater Research Society, leading projects on marine ecosystems.
The two-layered structure of the Sea of Marmara allows corals, which live in deep waters of the Mediterranean, to thrive in shallow waters here. Corals are essential for enhancing local biodiversity. However, pollution, human impact, and temperature changes threaten them in the Sea of Marmara, which hosts major industrial zones. “Breath of Marmara” explores the state of these corals and conservation efforts. Featuring archival footage that showcases the sea’s underwater richness, the documentary was completed with support from the Underwater Photographers and Filmmakers Association. Scientific consultancy was provided by marine biologist Assoc. Prof. Nur Eda Topcu from Istanbul University.
Born in Ankara in 1970, Sibel graduated from Istanbul University’s Radio-TV Broadcasting Department in 1990. She interned at TRT Istanbul TV and worked as an assistant dubbing director. She held editing and promotion director roles at Interstar TV and atv. As an editing director, she contributed to Coskun Aral’s “Haberci” and Savas Ay’s “A Takimi”. After 2005, she worked as a director at Bein Iztv, Turkiye’s first documentary channel, producing political, nature, history, and underwater documentaries. She created independent films with support from institutions such as the EU, the Ministry of Culture, and the Koc Foundation. She participated in festivals as a jury member and contestant, winning several awards.
Turkiye is one of the world’s most biologically diverse regions. The unique nature of Anatolia hosts numerous living beings that are on their own journeys on a long and narrow path that stretches between birth and death. Some are big, some are small, some are flamboyant, some are scary. Some are in a hurry, some are not. At the end of the day, some become the hunter and some the prey. In this cycle, everyone does their job thoroughly and life continues a while longer for those left behind. These lands host extraordinary stories of many ordinary creatures.
Cihan was born in Eskisehir in 1978. He graduated from the Faculty of Communication at Marmara University in 2002. During his second year of university, he started working at Turkiye’s public broadcaster, TRT. For six years, he worked as an assistant director and camera assistant on documentaries focusing on biodiversity, such as “Nature and History in Anatolia”, “Living Treasures”, “Birds of Turkiye”. From 2009 to 2023, he worked at NTV Programs Department as a producer and director. During this period, he produced various documentaries on different subjects, including history, culture and arts, and Turkiye’s wildlife.
Andreas Fiskeseth – Underwater filmmaker, drone pilot and DP based in Thailand.
Born and raised on the Western coast of Norway, I moved to Thailand at 23 to pursue a career in underwater filmmaking.
I'm a certified PADI Divemaster with 14 years experience and 3000+ ocean camera dives.
I've had the pleasure of working on various films, documentaries and tv-shows for clients such as the BBC, Disney+ & UFC.
Having dived all over Thailand I also offer consultations and location scouting, both for remote and underwater destinations.
I'm also an experienced drone pilot & timelapse photographer and have shot art films, music videos and promo videos.
While I'm experienced shooting with cameras from RED, Sony, & Canon my personal setup consists of a Panasonic Lumix GH7 for underwater – a great rig paired with the right glass.
Also the owner of a DPV rental company so I have access to some very handy DPV setups for underwater filmmaking to create unique images or keep up with fast moving subjects.
Located in Thailand but available to work anywhere. Speak Norwegian and English fluently.
I'm passionate about the ocean and marine conservation and this is reflected in my safe conduct around any subject or reef.
I also have a huge 6K/4K Stock library of mantas, whale sharks, macro, reef, turtles etc.
Wildlife Film Productions inc. – a boutique production company specialized in creating groundbreaking natural history films for audiences worldwide.
Wildlife Film Productions (WFP) was founded by Alex Jones, an Emmy-nominated and Panda award-winning Director of Photography (DOP) who has worked with top broadcasters like Disney, NatGeo, BBC, Netflix, and Apple. With over a decade of experience, Alex is known for his breathtaking macro and long-lens work, creating world-class wildlife films. Initially hired as head DOP on many shows, he quickly became involved in the creative direction and writing, showcasing his storytelling talents beyond the camera. His ability to shape the overall vision of a project adds a unique depth to every production.
Award-winning filmmaker Jaap Perenboom joined Alex after a chance encounter while filming in the jungles of Corcovado, Costa Rica. Their mutual passion for wildlife filmmaking brought them together, and they soon realized they shared the ambition to build a boutique Blue-Chip wildlife film company. With Jaap’s background in both business and filmmaking, he brings a rare combination of business savvy, strategic insight, and hands-on experience as a DOP, perfectly complementing Alex’s creative vision.
United by their love for wildlife and a shared dream to produce top-tier films, Alex and Jaap are building a strong, passionate team. Their collective vision and expertise drive WFP to deliver captivating, high-quality wildlife content that stands out in the industry.
As a full member of the site, you get a listing in all appropriate sections, a profile page, access to our members' private Facebook Group and priority on your news across the site, this newsletter and our social media accounts.
"A Real Bug's Life" won the Children's & Family Emmy Award for Outstanding Cinematography for a Single Camera Live Action Program.
The award was presented during the 2025 Children's and Family Emmy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles. The show also won three other awards, including Outstanding Directing for a Single Camera Live Action Series.
Outstanding Cinematography for a
Single Camera Live Action Program A Real Bug's Life National Geographic [Plimsoll Productions]
Photography by Robert Hollingworth, Alex Jones, Nathan Small
Director of Photography Simon de Glanville
The show, inspired by Disney and Pixar's "A Bug's Life," explores the lives of tiny creatures in various microbug worlds, highlighting their unique behaviors and alliances. The series, narrated by Awkwafina, showcases the intricate world of insects through advanced filming technology. The show's cinematography was particularly praised for its ability to capture the beauty and detail of these miniature worlds. The series was a hit on Disney+, and has been praised for its creativity and innovation in children's entertainment.
A Real Bug's Life took home awards in the following categories:
Outstanding Directing for a Single Camera Live Action Series – “The Big City”
Outstanding Cinematography for a Single Camera Live Action Program
Outstanding Sound Mixing and Sound Editing for a Live Action Program
The 2025 Jackson Wild Media Awards are now open for entries!
The Jackson Wild Media Awards celebrate excellence and innovation in nature, science, and conservation storytelling.
Projects completed since June 1, 2024 are eligible to enter. The regular deadline for entries is May 15, 2025. Entries submitted before April 7th will receive an Early Bird discount on entry fees. Finalists will be announced in August.
Projects completed since June 1, 2024 are eligible to enter.
The regular deadline for entries is May 15, 2025. Entries submitted before April 7th will receive an Early Bird discount on entry fees.
Wildlife Film Festival Rotterdam is open for entries. The festival focusses on the screening of wildlife, natural habitats, environment and conservation films to demonstrate the beauty of nature and to raise awareness about the collective responsibility we have to maintain it.
Entries must be submitted before 1 May 2025. The competition is free of fees!
The 2025 festival will feature the best films from all over the world. We will be screening all of our official selections in the heart of Rotterdam at Cinerama Movie Theater. The WFFR Industry Days ’25 will take place on Friday 7 and Saturday 8 November 2025. Here you can meet/catch-up with other film professionals and participate in workshops, pitch sessions and social events.
Macro & MikroMak Lenses – all you need to know – VMI
VMI´s Barry Bassett talks lenses ...
I am no longer surprised at seeing the sceptical look on cinematographers’ faces when I tell them that a group of macro primes exist which don’t follow the usual rules of depth of field and close focus because they are based on microscopy and telescope images principles. It is only when they see the images for themselves that the penny drops and they become excited to use these for themselves.
This is the why in late 2024, having taken delivery of the UK’s first set of MikroMaktm prime lenses from Infinity Photo-Optical in Colorado, that I sent a group email “seeking curious cinematographers to test some new MikroMaktm macro lenses” and 30 excited willing participants said “yes!”
Thus started the MikroMak project, to investigate learning all about these new lenses, understanding how best to use them and discovering what they are might be best suited to.
This article was written as a collaboration with these same cinematographers and their feedback, views, clips and images have been included for your benefit. Whilst Jay Margolis, the inventor and President of Infinity Photo-Optical, the manufacturer of these lenses, has been an active participant during this process, this project has neither been subsidised, nor funded by them and is all of our original work.
The Guardian ¨Other lives¨ Obituary for Richard Brock
My friend and colleague Richard Brock, who has died aged 86, was a BBC Natural History Unit producer for 35 years, and latterly a guerrilla film-maker trying to make a difference through his own means. He enjoyed sharing his passions about the natural world and our impact on it.
He had a long and successful working relationship with David Attenborough, starting with Eastward with Attenborough (1973). They worked together again on the groundbreaking series Life on Earth (1979), with Richard taking responsibility for the sixth episode and amphibian segment, Invasion of the Land.
He was then given the role of executive producer for the second part of Attenborough’s epic Life trilogy, The Living Planet (1984), surveying the world from an ecological point of view.
Richard’s love for nature started early on. The son of Arthur Brock, a teacher and businessman, and Eileen (nee Scudamore), he was born in Bristol, from where the family soon moved to the edge of Dartmoor. They all loved being in the countryside, but Richard was particularly in his element, collecting and housing creatures all over.
He boarded at Bryanston school in Dorset, where his teachers encouraged his interest in nature, taking him on trips where he studied migrating birds and other wildlife, which further embedded his passions. He went on to study zoology and botany at Queens’ College, Cambridge, where he was also a successful squash and hockey player.
After graduation, he wanted to start communicating his passions, so he approached the BBC Natural History Unit in Bristol for a job. Jeffery Boswall, a natural history radio producer, gave him his first job, as a general assistant. In 1964, when Boswall moved into television, he took Richard with him, giving him his first film to produce, Masters of Movement, which aired on Peter Scott’s Look series.
Several years later, Attenborough, then BBC director of television programmes, decided to move back into making films. Still in his early 20s, Richard met David in London to discuss producing a series with him travelling around Borneo and south-east Asia, which became Eastward with Attenborough.
A highly successful producer, Richard made many other films at the BBC NHU, including for the Wildlife on One and The World About Us series.
During his time there Richard became increasingly aware of worrying changes in the natural world. He was upset that this was not being reflected in the films they were making. He left the corporation in 2006 and set up Living Planet Productions and the Brock Initiative to produce his own films. He made more than 100 films for his Wildlife Winners and Losers series, and wrote a book called Planet Crunch (2021).
Richard will be greatly missed by the villagers of Chew Magna, in Somerset, where he lived. He made friends all over the world, through film-making and conservation, and inspired numerous young film-makers, whom he called “bright green sparks”.
In 1976 he married Gillie Day; they divorced in 2001. Richard is survived by his sister, Cherry, and his nephews, Julius and William, and niece, Emily.
Congratulations to the projects selected for the 2025 World Wildlife Day Film Showcase!
The World Wildlife Day Film Showcase is one of the global events that accompanies the 2025 UN World Wildlife Day celebrations, and helps illustrate its theme, “Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet.”
Announced today at the World Wildlife Day celebration at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, these films will be available to stream throughout the year for free, bringing their powerful messages to classrooms, communities, and decision-makers everywhere.
Jackson Wild is thrilled to welcome Tria Thalman as our new Programming Director for the 2025 Summit!
Tria joins the Jackson Wild team as a 30-year veteran of the natural history filmmaking industry.
After a brief stint at Bristol-based Partridge Films, in 1995 she moved to the United States and embarked on a freelance career producing a wide array of documentaries primarily for National Geographic/Nat Geo Wild, PBS and Discovery/Animal Planet. For eight years she served as executive producer for natural history at Smithsonian Channel, where she developed and oversaw a broad slate of wildlife and conservation films. Her projects have garnered numerous honors in film festivals around the world, including the Emmy award-winning series Epic Yellowstone. Over the years, Tria has supported Jackson in multiple ways, as judge, panelist, committee member and Media Lab mentor.
“I’ve worked across all genres in documentary filmmaking but my passion has always been in the natural world. I first attended the Jackson Wild film festival in 1997 and it holds a very special place in my heart. I know I’m not alone in that and I look forward to helping ensure the festival continues to evolve and thrive, serving our global community of natural history storytellers.”
This fall, the Jackson Wild Summit is coming home to
Grand Teton National Park.
Storytelling for the Planet! Join us September 29 - October 3, 2025 for can't miss programming, thought-provoking conversations and innovative content at the Jackson Lake Lodge with the stunning backdrop of the Tetons.
Our room block at the Jackson Lake Lodge is now open!
Rooms are limited and expected to sell out, so we encourage you to book early to secure your spot.ed and expected to sell out, so we encourage you to book early to secure your spot: jacksonwild.org/lodging
Stay tuned—Summit registration will open in April!
‘Pangolin: Kulu’s Journey’ review: Rousing follow-up to Oscar winner ‘My Octopus Teacher’
With their covering of scales, long tongues and the habit of walking on their hind legs, pangolins are cute and curious. This winning combination makes for a fascinating choice of documentary subject, especially as few films have been made about them. By focusing on a single animal, as she did with her Oscar-winning My Octopus Teacher, Pippa Ehrlich offers an intimate and gripping fight-back story that eloquently reminds us of the importance of the connection between humans and the natural world.f Things,’ is retiring after 38 years with the Canadian pubcaster, 13 of those with the strand.
Nobody is sure how many of the endangered mammals are left in the wild. What is certain is that they are highly trafficked for Chinese medicine and, if rescued, rehabilitating them isn’t easy. Ehrlich follows baby pangolin Kulu as he is rewilded by South African volunteer Gareth Thomas – a job that is, essentially, 24/7 for six months and a lot more besides.
As with Ehrlich’s previous film, this is a story of the relationship between a human and an animal, but here the focus is much more animal-centric, which makes it, arguably, even more crowdpleasing than My Octopus Teacher. Premiering at Thessaloniki International Documentary Festival, it should attract a wide audience when it released by Netflix on April 21.
Pangolins have been pottering about the earth for about 85 million years, which makes it appropriate that Ehrlich employs a mythic element. We hear that in many Southern African stories, it is believed that pangolins trigger thunder by rattling their scales. Described as being like both “unicorns” and “ghosts”, all the contributors, though working with pangolins for years, note that they have never just happened across one in the wild.
Three celebs, no plan... What could possibly go wrong?
Chris Packham says ¨I wouldn’t tackle a hike without a map. Fail to plan, plan to fail – that's a motto I live by. So why are we trying to tackle the climate crisis without a proper plan?
In 2024, for the first time ever, the planet’s average temperature was more than 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. A global limit world leaders vowed not to exceed.
That’s why this year is critical in our fight against climate breakdown. The UK government must show climate leadership now. So, I – and a few other faces off the telly – are showing why it all starts with a proper plan. Watch the video now:
After Friends of the Earth won twice in court, the UK government is legally required to deliver a new and improved climate plan later this year.
We need a bold climate plan that delivers cleaner air, lower energy bills, warm homes. And a fairer, healthier planet for thriving communities now and for future generations. But this will only happen if we pressure the government.
We need to build a groundswell of people calling for a Big Climate Plan¨.
Equity and Bectu among UK trade unions calling for independent AI regulator
The Trades Union Congress (TUC) a federation of trade unions across England and Wales that includes Equity and Bectu, has called for an independent regulator to oversee and regulate the integration of AI into society and work and the creation of a creative industry AI taskforce.
The taskforce would bring together creative workers, unions and technologists to navigate collaboration between tech companies and the creative industries.
The TUC manifesto includes calls for transparency of AI training data to ensure workers know whether their data or image are being used; citing sources and labelling content to maintain differentiation of AI generated work from human-created content; and an opt-in system to protect creative work from commercial data mining unless workers give their permission and consent.
Further proposals in the manifesto include ensuring creative workers are paid fairly for their work when their creative work is used to train AI models, including both past and future appropriation; new likeness rights to protect creative workers from ‘deep fakes’ using their image and voice without permission; and stronger rights for creative industries workers to be attributed as authors or performers of their work.
The UK government is cementing its copyright and AI framework, following consultation with industry which closed last month. It has proposed a new exemption in copyright law that would allow tech companies to train their AI models on creative works including films, TV shows and audio recordings without permission, unless creators actively opt out, to which the TUC is opposed.
CALL FOR ENTRY: PITCHING SESSION – FRIDAY, 12th SEPTEMBER 2025
Filmmakers focusing on the natural world are invited to take advantage of this unique opportunity to pitch their planned film project to a board of commissioning editors, producers and distributors at the PITCHING SESSION of the International Wildlife Film Festival GREEN SCREEN 2025.
The pitching session is public and follows international rules.
Submissions from Great Britain and France are especially welcome, as this year's festival will focus on Great Britain as its country focus, and the successful format of bilateral exchange will continue with the French Connection.
This years GREEN SCREEN Pitching Session will again be an in-person-event in Eckernförde.
Due to possible climate-relevant constraints of long-distance travel, there will be an additional possibility of virtual presentation of pitches and online participation of experts as well.
To participate, the following must be submitted via the submission form:
An Exposé, describing the project should be described, including approximate shooting time, locations and the people involved
A short CV
An approximate budget idea
If available, a trailer or other footage
SUBMISSION DEADLINE : MAY 31st 2025!
If you are interested, please contact Pitching directors Annette Scheurich and Anne Olzmann via pitching@greenscreen-festival.de.
The sooner we know who plans to pitch, the better, even if not all documents are ready.
Via the following link you can apply for the Session: PITCHING SESSION APPLICATION 2025
A pre-selection panel will select 8 to 10 participants for the pitching session by 1st August 2025.
Some of the projects that have been presented in recent years have already been produced. Participation is always an enriching experience!
As the promotion of emerging talent in nature film has always been a concern of GREEN SCREEN, submissions by newcomers and ambitious young filmmakers are encouraged.
Please feel free to spread the word!
See you at GREEN SCREEN in Eckernförde September 10th – 14th 2025!
This June, we’re bringing our iconic Festival to Maun, Botswana! Building on the success of our 2023 and 2024 Festivals in Nairobi, Kenya and Arusha, Tanzania, with BBC Studios Natural History Unit as Headline Sponsor and Botswana Ignite as in-country partner, we’re proud to be launching a new two-day event for 2025: Wildscreen Festival Botswana.
The new mini-festival, taking place in the gateway to the Okavango Delta, will spotlight African storytellers and filmmakers - sharing their expertise and experience alongside key global industry players and decision makers, and supporting cross-country collaboration. Content will span inspirational talks, panels, pitching, commissioning sessions and networking. The festival is open to all aspiring and established African film industry professionals as well as the global natural history film industry.
Wildscreen Festival Botswana is made possible with the support of BBC Studios Natural History Unit, as well as partner Botswana Ignite, major sponsor Mashatu Game Reserve and travel partner Clarity Entertainment & Media
50 years in 50 seconds is a visual representation of how a familiar Scottish landscape might develop over half a century, with reduced grazing pressure. As time unfolds, native woodlands expand, natural processes return and biodiversity flourishes as new habitats appear.
The exact nature and extent of change depends on many factors, but the transformation from a simplified landscape into something more complex and productive, is likely to apply to many upland areas across Scotland.
This sequence is part of The Fiadh Project, which seeks to encourage a new measure for successful deer management, which places greater emphasis on the recovery of ecological systems
The Matsalu Nature Film Festival is open for entries!
The call for entries for the 23rd MAFF - Matsalu Nature Film Festival is open!
We're seeking your new creative documentaries.
Have you created a film that celebrates the wonders of the natural world or explores the relationship between humans and nature? We want to see it!
Submission Categories:
- Nature: Wildlife, ecosystems, and the beauty of the natural world.
- Man and Nature: Exploring the relationship between humans and nature, including conservation, climate change, sustainability, and environmental issues.
The submission deadline is May 1st.
We can't wait to see what you've been working on, and we hope to see you at this year's festival!
This years festival is from 24th September - 5th October 2025 - Visit: matsalufilm.ee/en
CALL FOR ENTRIES – Wildscreen Panda Awards 2025!!!
You read that right, the Wildscreen Panda Awards are now annual!
We’re thrilled to announce that submissions for the 2025 Panda Awards are now open, with this year’s competition comprising of 17 categories and 3 special awards including the Golden Panda and 3 new awards for 2025.
Brand new for 2025, we’re proud to introduce:
Short Panda Award: for productions less than 20 minutes in length. The award has been introduced to reflect the importance of connecting with younger audiences and the growth of digital and the creator economy within the genre.
Independent Film Panda Award: recognising productions that have had less input from major production studios and have a budget under £1.5 million. It also builds on growing success of Wildscreen’s Official Selection Programme, showcasing authentic storytellers and original independent stories from around the world.
In-Country Production Panda Award: recognising productions made on location in-country with at least 50 percent of the production team being in-country nationals.
So what are you waiting for?
Submitting your film for consideration has never been simpler, now accepting submissions exclusively through FilmFreeway, our Earlybird submission discount window closes February 25th 2025!
Before submitting your work, please review our competition Rules & Guidelines.
Submission Deadlines
January 23rd – Earlybird Window Opens
February 25th – Regular Window Opens & Earlybird Window Shuts
April 17th – Late Window Opens & Regular Window Shuts
May 13th – Final deadline for entries
Check out our website for more information or submit your film now on FilmFreeway.
Nat Geo sets “Secrets of the Penguins” from EP James Cameron
National Geographic has set an April 20 premiere for the latest entry its Emmy-winning “Secrets of” series, Secrets of the Penguins
The three-parter will be available to stream in full on Disney+ and Hulu on April 21, while the Disney Channel will air a repeat of the first episode on Earth Day, April 22.
Produced by Talesmith, executive produced by James Cameron and narrated by actress Blake Lively (Another Simple Favor, It Ends with Us), the series is the result of an intensive, two-year filming process led by National Geographic Explorer Bertie Gregory and involving more than 70 scientists and filmmakers that traveled to some of the world’s most extreme environments. Among the never-before-seen penguin behaviors captured in the series are a bonded pair of emperors practicing egg transfers with a snowball; chicks navigating the ice amid climate change; and young penguins using their beaks to get out of a crevasse.
Previous entries in the “Secrets of” series include Secrets of the Octopus, narrated by Paul Rudd; Secrets of the Elephants, narrated by Natalie Portman; and the Emmy-winning Secrets of the Whales, narrated by Sigourney Weaver.
In 2020, His Majesty King Charles, then The Prince of Wales, announced RE:TV alongside the Sustainable Markets Initiative at Davos. Now, in 2025, we are celebrating five years of progress and sustainable storytelling. Over the last month we’ve been enjoying a series of events to mark these milestones.
HAMPTON COURT
The RE:TV team attended the Sustainable Markets Initiative’s Terra Carta Roundtables & Exhibition at Hampton Court Palace – an event marking the organisation’s five-year anniversary.
In a truly palatial studio, we filmed more than 40 interviews which we will use in our content across the coming months.
The event concluded with a visit from our founder, His Majesty King Charles III, who attended a screening of a film RE:TV produced to tell the Story So Far of the SMI.
The Earthshot Prize exists to discover, support and celebrate those who turn bold ideas into real solutions that repair our planet.
In every corner of the world, brilliant minds and passionate teams are channeling their energy into tackling our biggest environmental challenges.
This is Climate Creativity.
Together we can speed these solutions to scale.
Climate creativity is about acting on an idea that reimagines our world for the better.
In the face of apathy and anxiety, we can reclaim our future. It is up to all of us to bring our greatest gifts to our greatest challenge yet: repairing our planet.
Over the last ten years, the evidence that we face urgent challenges to protect the environment has become indisputable, and it’s clear that the time to act is now. Drawing inspiration from the concept of moonshots, which since the moon landing in 1969 has become shorthand to talk about the most ambitious and ground-breaking goals, Prince William announced The Earthshot Prize: an ambitious set of challenges to inspire a decade of action to repair the planet.
We believe in the power of human ingenuity to prove to us all that the seemingly impossible is possible
As home to some of the top production labels in the business, ITV Studios has a reputation for pioneering, award-winning natural history programming – and is now attracting new audiences via streaming and digital innovations
With 160-plus owned and operated channels, delivering more than 10 billion views in 2024, ITV Studios is certainly no stranger to nature. With decades of quality programme-making under its belt, it produces a carefully curated natural history slate that includes hit shows like Magical Land Of Oz, Secrets Of The Elephants, A Real Bug’s Life and A Year On Planet Earth, to name just a few.
It is home to some of the best labels in the business, including Plimsoll Productions, the world’s leading independent producer of natural history TV. Speaking about its unique approach, Grant Mansfield, chief executive of Plimsoll, emphasises its commitment to innovation in the field.
“We at Plimsoll have built a reputation for our modern take on natural history,” he says. “We pride ourselves on finding new and unique entry points to the natural world and then crafting compelling cinematic narratives around them.” Included in its compelling portfolio are acclaimed series such as Super/Natural, with James Cameron as executive producer and Benedict Cumberbatch as narrator; and A Year On Planet Earth, which was sold to more than 150 territories worldwide.
Innovative series
On top of that, there is A Real Bug’s Life. Narrated by Awkwafina and winner of multiple Emmys, it has been named one of the most ambitious and innovative natural history series ever made. Mansfield says: “With A Real Bug’s Life, we flipped the script and took the often overlooked ‘little guy’ and put him front and centre, which is no easy feat. The team uses cutting-edge technology to capture the daily duties and struggles of these tiny creatures, allowing viewers to be fully immersed and transported into their world.” Series two launched on Disney+ in January 2025.
Expanding on its innovative programming, Plimsoll introduces Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters for ITV. Coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the movie Jaws, the show will dare a group of ocean-phobic celebrities to go nose-to-nose with the likes of hammerheads, bull and tiger sharks in the Bahamas, coming to appreciate their valuable place in the food chain and ecosystem in the process.
In addition to the thrilling underwater adventures, Plimsoll Productions is bringing Secret Garden to the BBC – a new series showcasing British wildlife through advanced low-light, aerial and macro technology. The show emphasises the critical role of gardens in supporting wildlife, illustrating how our gardening efforts can provide vital lifelines for nature and enhance our own lives.
Another gem within the ITV Studios family is Oxford Scientific Films (OSF), the small label with a big reputation. Dating back to 1968, OSF is not only the oldest independent production company in the UK, it is also one of the most respected, delivering international hit after hit.
Fox hunting has been illegal for over 20 years, but that hasn’t stopped hunts from carrying on much as they always have. Many claim to be following pre-laid trails, but as we know, trail hunting has been widely exposed as a cover for illegal hunting.
If hunting was really just about the social aspect—about riding across the countryside with hounds—why haven’t all hunts switched to something like clean boot hunting? This alternative ticks all the boxes: riders still get their day out, hounds still follow a scent, and no animals are harmed. So why hasn’t it become the mainstream alternative?
In the latest episode of Rob's Wild Show, he break down what clean boot hunting is, how it works, and why so few hunts have actually made the switch.
Firstly, if you haven't already read it, we can't recommend Craig Foster's AMPHIBIOUS SOUL: Finding the wild in a tame world enough ... for anyone that loved "My Octopus Teacher", it's a must read ... and it'd make a marvelous Xmas gift! Get it here!
In addition to being an excellent read (or listen!) Amphibious Soul has a collection of twenty-seven short films created over two and half decades highlighting some of the most compelling moments in Craig Foster's book ... from diving with crocodiles to meeting the San tracking masters of the Kalahari to learning the secrets of the animals of the Great African Seaforest.
We focus in documentary making on land and underwater, we do high speed, infrared and thermal filming. We can also help as fixers in Cyprus and Greece.
Victoria Clarke – an Australia-based Presenter/Host/Narrator
Victoria is a freelance television presenter, broadcaster, science communicator and narrator for documentaries and television series specialising in wildlife, science, natural history and adventure/travel.
She studied a Bachelor of Science in Zoology at the University of Queensland, which she paired with formal training in television presenting and communications, and has since combined the two fields as a host for wildlife and natural history media.
Her work as a wildlife presenter has taken her to many interesting and remote places in the natural world, and she is an avid traveller and adventurer.
Victoria believes in the power of storytelling, and it's her objective to share information about our planet, and the scientific discoveries made here, to the wider community through compelling, entertaining and accurate stories.
Victoria knows that through the art of nature filmmaking, the importance of conservation and exposure to the beauty of the natural world can be truly understood and appreciated.
Massimiliano (Max) Finzi – a Marine Supervisor – Assistant Underwater Camera – Water Safety Diver
Max is a professional Marine Supervisor and Safety diver in Media, Film and HATV at Netflix, Prime, Lionsgate, Disney, BBC amongst others.
Based in both the UK (Devon) and Italy.
He says" "I have great experience in water diving safety. I am a PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer, an SSI Divemaster Instructor and the HSE Scuba L.4 and I’m also Instructor of many diving specialties; I’m an underwater camera assistant and also operate independently. I also have experience of training cast and crew in scuba diving to facilitate underwater sequences.
I have done over 10,000 dives in extremely different places and locations such as sea, ocean, river, altitude, lake, caves, under ice, deep and wrecks using all different equipments; I have worked as a dive instructor and dive manager for 21 years and in the last 5 as part of a team in the Marine department in film and TV.
Before becoming a diver in 1996 I was a studio still-life photographer a profession that I brought with me underwater;
I have the Gates STO (Setup/Test/Operate) certification made by Esprit Film; RYA PowerBoat L2, VHF Radio Operator, Day skipper.
I also have the IRATA Rope Access certification L1 and A1/A3 Drone open category.
BBC Studios Digital Brands is to premiere its latest digital commissions, In Search of Nature and Framed in Nature, two wildlife photography series produced by All3Media’s Aurora Media Worldwide for the YouTube channel BBC Earth and the BBC Earth Explore channel.
The series featuring six wildlife photographers will debut on Monday 3rd March on World Wildlife Day.
In Search of Nature will launch two, six-to-eight-minute episodes weekly on YouTube covering habitats from Brazil’s Atlantic Forest to the tundra of Yellowstone National Park to the coastal islands of South Carolina to the underwater worlds in a Kenyan Marine Park.
The series features photographers such as Rylee Jensen who follows in the tracks of bisons and coyotes in Yellowstone National Park, and Anthony Ochieng Onyango, who documents the impact of climate change on coral reefs in Kenya’s Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park & Reserve.
The companion series, Framed in Nature, featuring six, six-to-eight-minute episodes, delves into the technical aspects of wildlife photography. The series takes viewers through the camera equipment and settings used and demonstrates how to edit images for maximum effect.
How We Adapt to Climate Collapse: Transformative Adaptation with Rupert Read and Manda Scott
Transformative Adaptation (TrAd) helps us to transform our civilisation to be in readiness for the future and makes life worth living.
Impacts beyond 1.5 degrees C, the agreed maximum limit-target for global overheating, are already here. In this context, adaptation, preparedness and resilience-building are no longer optional. They become central, pivotal to whether we survive, let alone flourish.
In this expansive conversation between Permaculture magazine's editor, Maddy Harland, Emeritus Professor, Rupert Read, and award-winning author, Manda Scott, we learn how we can all use Transformative Adaptation to create a path towards a flourishing future.
Understand what Transformative Adaptation is, how we can become agents of positive change and the fundamental connection to Nature that we all need to live fulfilling lives, and the wider impact this has on our communities and our planet.
Manda Scott has written a significant chapter, and Rupert Read and Morgan Phillips are the editors and contributors of 'Transformative Adaptation: Another world is still just possible.
Maddy Harland is the editor of Permaculture magazine and the publisher of this book.
We are out of the safe zone. Transformative Adaptation (TrAd) helps us to transform our civilization to be in readiness for the future and makes life worth living. Impacts beyond 1.5oC, the agreed maximum limit-target for global overheating, are already here. In this context, adaptation, preparedness and resilience-building are no longer optional. They become central, pivotal to whether we survive, let alone flourish. The struggle to define adaptation will be the defining struggle of the coming decade. TrAd is adaptation that works with, not against nature. It reduces greenhouse gas emissions in the same breath as it guards us against the impacts of those emissions. This book sets out TrAd as a theory and a practice, a community and an attitude. Creating a flourishing future even in the jaws of adversity requires us first to imagine it together. Thrutopias are TrAd boldly and concretely imagined. Thrutopian stories show how we can get through by adapting to what is coming at us by transforming our systems. This book unpacks the theory of thrutopias and offers existing practical examples. Transformative Adaptation is the quintessential idea whose time has come.
Nadeem Perera: natural history representation hindering next generation of diverse storytellers
One Show and Springwatch presenter outlines difficulties facing people of colour in breaking into genre.
Current representation in natural history remains the greatest barrier for people of colour looking to work in the genre, according to wildlife broadcaster Nadeem Perera.
Speaking on the TV Collective podcast, the One Show and Springwatch presenter said despite great efforts to tackle representation in natural history, it’s still incredibly rare to see “someone that looks like you in that space”, either on- or off-screen.
Echoing sentiments about the problems facing diverse-led indies, Perera said: “The biggest change I’d like to see in TV is to have companies that are owned by people that are from communities that represent us.”
Reflecting on his career thus far, Perera said once in the natural history arena, his experiences have been positive: “There have been a lot of people that I would have probably thought would push me back who have actually opened doors for me and allowed me to work in these spaces.”
However, having worked in several organisations and production companies, he conceded: “I have not met one black man. It’s tough.”
Additionally, in natural history, “most of the opportunities are in Bristol”, and if you want to work in wildlife, you have to move there.
“No one told me that,” he said. “They’re in bars and pubs [in the city] chatting to each other about what opportunities are around. If we want in on that we have to be there.”
Perera said he had set up his own company to “bring the next generation through and really connect a group of young talent who are literally the tastemakers for youth culture and beyond across the world”, adding that he believes “natural history needs that energy and input.”
He is also the co-founder of nature collective Flock Together - alongside creative, author, and boss of agency Futurimpose Ollie Olanipekun - which brings people of colour together for monthly walks and birdwatching and has almost 30,000 followers on Instagram.
“It’s important our voices are heard in this space because historically and almost systematically they’ve been shut out and I think that it is important that people are able to express themselves by any means they see fit,” Perera told podcast host and TV Collective head Simone Pennant. “I see it as my role to highlight nature as another one of those mediums.”
"Best Documentary 2024" - 'CHRISTSPIRACY' is now FREE to watch online.
It started with a question we weren't supposed to ask...
What Would Jesus Do? Kill?
Christspiracy: The Spirituality Secret is a thrilling, eye-opening documentary revealing the most explosive cover-up in 2,000 years.
As two fearless filmmakers journey across the world, they unravel a hidden conspiracy that has twisted sacred teachings, manipulated religions, and deceived humanity for centuries. With the stakes higher than ever, they expose the powerful forces that have shaped our beliefs and betrayed the core principles of truth, compassion, and freedom that lie at the heart of every spiritual path.
This is the documentary they don't want you to see—will you dare to uncover the truth?
Watch for FREE on the website, and you can also Pay it Forward to allow anyone in the world to watch Christspiracy.
The film-makers say "Everyone must see this film, but not everyone can afford to pay. That’s where you come in.
Our original streaming partner demanded we redact key information from the film, which took seven years and over a million dollars to produce. After boldly buying our film rights back, and creating this independent platform, Christspiracy is now freely accessible and uncensored. We intend to keep it this way, but we cannot do it alone."
Viva! Reaching 46 MILLION People Through TV Adverts!!
Over the past three years, this Viva! TV advert has reached an incredible 46 MILLION people! That’s a huge number of seeds planted in the heart of the nation.
Viva! say ¨This success wouldn’t have been possible without your support. A massive thank you to everyone who contributed to our TV advert fundraisers over the years – you’re the reason we’ve been able to make such a big impact!¨
On World Vegan Day (Nov 1st) Ed released Matilda and the Brave Escape, a new family-friendly animated short film narrated by Bella Ramsey. It's based on the incredible true story of Matilda, a pig who escaped from a farm in the UK and gave birth to her piglets in a nearby woodland - saving herself and her piglets from certain death..
But this is not just a story of one pig’s fight for freedom; it is a call to action reminding us that every animal deserves a life free from exploitation. Ed's hope is that viewers of all ages will be inspired to see animals as the amazing individuals that they are.
Ed says "It would mean the world to myself and the team if you could watch and share the film with a non-vegan loved one in your life."
Matilda now lives with her family in safety at Surge Sanctuary. Winter is fast approaching and if you'd like to sponsor the real Matilda or contribute to the upkeep and care of all the animals at Surge Sanctuary, donations allow the sanctuary team to continue providing the best lives possible for Matilda, her children and the other residents.
Head over to matildaandthebraveescape.com to learn more about the film, how to go vegan and to find out more about the real Matilda!
I am an Octopus (Narrated by Peter Egan) | #StopOctopusFarming
Peter Egan says "I am delighted to share that I have narrated a beautiful and powerful animation about octopus farming with my Plant Based Treaty friends."
Inspired by Greenpeace'sThere's A Monster in My Kitchen, Plant Based Treaty's talented animator Hoshimi Sakai shows us the frightening reality of the millions of octopuses destined to suffer if the multinational corporation Pescanova is granted a permit to build the world's first octopus factory farm.
In the animation, the octopus's life is shown in two contrasting versions—one where she is stuck inside a tank in an octopus farm and the other swimming happily and freely in the oceans. In the end, the humans learn an important lesson from the octopus and realize that all life is one. The epilogue is a reference to Leo Tolstoy's short story Esarhaddon, King of Assyria—a reminder that it is impossible to harm others without harming ourselves..
I am an octopus trapped in a tiny tank,
Crowded prison cells, which they call farms.
It’s dark, dirty and deadly, I can’t stretch my eight arms.
I am an octopus trapped in a tiny tank.
No solitude or peace, I weep and shake,
So a greedy two-armed man can take cash to the bank.
I don’t yet know how to get out and dream of escape…
I am an octopus who is free to roam the salty seas.
With eight arms I jet along the ocean floor.
I crawl, I climb and through rocks I squeeze,
To forage for food and explore.
When I feel sleepy or want to hide away,
I build a den using shells from scallops and clams.
When I see a shark, I fear I’ll become prey,
So my skin goes lumpy, bumpy, and changes color.
My home, the ocean, is dying.
Men steal fishes from the sea to feed us.
They say breeding us will save the planet, but they are lying.
The octopus farms cause me and the ocean so much harm.
The two-armed man artificially impregnates the females.
Then he prods and stabs us to find out how best to kill us.
Big business is trying to play God,
But Mother Nature strikes back with climate chaos.
I am an octopus but I am like you.
On the surface we may look very different -
Your blood is red and mine is blue,
You have one brain and I have nine.
Don’t eat my brainy arms,
They think and feel and are not for you to chew!
Drop your knife and raise your placards,
And shout out ‘NO, to octopus farms!’
Make your one heart big,
Listen to my one, two, three hearts beat.
The free rhythms of this short song called life
Ring-a-ding-ding ring–a-ding-ding, be my octopus defender!
Swimming in the ocean I feel so alive,
Now planet Earth can bustle and thrive.
Dive deep and show compassion,
Link your arms in octopus fashion,
Plant Based Treaty's petition to Stop Octopus Farming has over 140,000 signatures. They held global days of actions outside Spanish embassies and mobilised environmental scientists to submit objections to Pescanova's planning application. With your help, they can do so much more to save these magnificient creatures.
Viva! has been at the forefront of change for 30 years. As you know, we have specialised in undercover investigations and high-profile campaigns since 1994, and in that time it’s incredible to see how far we have come.
But our work continues, and until a kinder sustainable world is created for humans and animals alike, our work will never be done.
Factory farmed animals face torture daily – we know because we’ve filmed it over and over again. Slaughtering animals who don’t want to die is obscenely cruel, and entirely unnecessary.
More than one billion animals are killed for meat in the UK every year, and most live in filthy overcrowded industrial-sized sheds.
In fact, Viva! has been a huge catalyst in triggering the vegan revolution. We are finally winning; but not fast enough.
Unity is strength and we need you to join us and help change the world – because that’s what’s needed. Join Viva! today and help our vital work continue for another 30 years.
We’ve filmed over 100 pig farms – filth, cages, suffering and despair, everywhere.
28 per cent of an estimated 10.4 billion eggs a year come from hens in overcrowded cages. They survive for just 18 months. And free range isn’t much better.
Viva! – first to expose duck factory farming. The number of ducks killed dropped from 19 million to 14 million.
Dairy – a cruel industry where mother cows are worked to death and male calves are the unwanted by-product.
Turkeys – tens of thousands to a shed. We exposed barbarity at Bernard Matthews and sales fell.
We went inside the UK’s four biggest chicken producers – and witnessed dead and dying birds everywhere.
Please, join our fight for the animals. Join Viva!: join.viva.org.uk
Humane Society debuts ad from director Johnny Kelly
Animal charity Humane Society International UK has launched a rebrand to Humane World for Animals to establish clarity in its mission to create lasting change for animals in the UK and around the world, with a TV ad from Nexus Studio envisioning a future without animal cruelty.
Set to a newly created rendition of Peter Gabriel’s iconic 1977 hit Solsbury Hill, recorded by pop superstar Sia, the ad brings the organisation’s mission to life.
The ad, created in partnership with director Johnny Kelly, uses stop-motion techniques with handmade puppets, cruelty-free materials and animal-friendly sets. Instead of focusing on abuse, the video highlights the vision that drives Humane World for Animals’ work—animals freed from suffering, experiencing love, protection and a brighter future. Each of the five animal stories featured in the ad carries profound meaning, showcasing the impact of the organisation’s global efforts to end animal cruelty.
Nexus Studios’ Johnny Kelly said: “Summoned by the clarion call of animal welfare and adorable miniature stop-motion puppets, we were able to amass an incredibly talented crew and create a unique hybrid approach incorporating LED screens. It was an experiment — but Nexus have a knack for jamming traditional techniques and high-end technology together so you get the best of both worlds—and in this instance it allowed us to dream big with our ambitions and storytelling. To tell stories that hint at the incredible work Humane World for Animals carries out around the globe.”
Year in Review: Plant Based Treaty’s Biggest Wins in 2024
In 2024, the Plant Based Treaty team made history!
From 10 new cities endorsing the treaty to groundbreaking menu changes worldwide, we’ve been driving real climate action.
Despite record-breaking climate disasters, our campaigners and supporters fought tirelessly for plant-based solutions.
Our Mission: We promote a shift towards a just, plant-based food system that enables us to live safely within planetary boundaries and reforest the Earth.
Our Vision: We envision a global Plant Based Treaty attached to the Paris Agreement, with best practices in plant-based food policy implemented worldwide.
With your support, we can make an even bigger impact in 2025.
Help us push plant-based policies forward.
Donate now at www.plantbasedtreaty.org and be part of the change!
Would you like to participate in a "first of its kind" festival in Türkiye?
We set out to organize a brand new festival to attract national and international attention to Anatolia's wildlife, contribute to nature conservation efforts and support the development of wildlife documentary filmmaking.
The first of the Ankara International Wildlife Documentary Film Festival will take place in the capital city of Ankara between May 15 - 18, 2025. Over four days, we will present a rich program filled with documentary film screenings, Q&A sessions with filmmakers, workshops, and seminars.
The festival, where wildlife filmmakers from different countries will have the chance to meet with the Turkish audience and filmmakers, will also host a competition.
Submissions to the festival opened on July 1st, 2024 through filmfreeway.com! We invite all wildlife filmmakers from Türkiye and across the globe to submit their films to the festival.
We look forward to welcoming you to our soon-to-be-launched website…
Festival Founder and President,
Ece Soydam
Highly endowed awards await the winning films in six categories:
Best European Film: Wildlife
Best European Film: Biodiversity
Best European Film: Nature Conservation
Audience Award
Best Story
Best Short Film
The first award ceremony will take place February 15th 2025.
All selected films will screen at the EWFA´s very own theatre in the ´Botschaft der Wildtiere´ (Wildlife Embassy) in Hamburg HafenCity over the course of the following year.
Our course is hosted by
industry professionals including
experienced naturalists, trackers, impact producers, cinematographers and natural
history editors to help you create your own story.
What’s included:
6 weeks of immersive training;
Live in the Timbavati Big 5 Game
Reserve;
Daily safaris to ethically film wildlife;
Use industry standard film equipment;
Small groups of up to maximum 8
participants;
Dedicated 1-2-1 mentoring;
A panoramic teaching style with expert
mentors;
Learn basic tracking skills and insights into animal behaviour;
Build your own showreel and wildlife documentary short;
As a full member of the site, you get a listing in all appropriate sections, a profile page and priority on your news across the site, this newsletter and our social media accounts.
Membership fees help to keep the site going too ... Your support is much-needed! Hoping to relaunch the site this year ... Updated for the new decade ... Will be looking for help from all over the world!!
Since the late 1990s Wildlife-film.com has been the leading source of information for the wildlife filmmaking industry worldwide. For over twenty years the site has been Google's number one ranking site for 'wildlife film' and related searches. Our site is viewed in over 195 countries. Our newsletter, Wildlife Film News, is read every month by thousands of people involved in wildlife filmmaking - from broadcasters and producers, to cameramen - we encourage readers to submit their news. We also serve as an online resource for industry professionals and services. Find producers, editors, presenters and more in our Freelancer section, and find out about festivals, training and conservation in Organisations. We encourage amateur and professional freelancers to join our network and welcome all wildlife-film related organisations to join our team.
