Prepare to be captivated by a cinematic masterpiece that defies genre boundaries! Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's 'Super Nature', a breathtaking ode to the natural world.
This film is a unique blend of art and advocacy, a love letter to nature that transcends the typical boundaries of documentary, travelogue, or political commentary. It's like a nostalgic journey through your family's old home movies, but with a global twist.
Ed Sayers, in his directorial debut, presents a visual feast with Super 8 footage from around the globe, capturing the awe-inspiring beauty of nature and wildlife. But here's the twist: it's not just about the visuals. The film boldly challenges the traditional approach of using statistics and data to convey environmental messages.
"How do you create an environmentally conscious film about nature?" The answer lies in a collaborative effort spanning continents. Sayers sent cameras to various contributors, crafting a community-driven film that showcases intimate moments of nature. The result? A mosaic of personal observations, a cinematic symphony that immerses viewers in the wonders of the natural world.
Sayers, known for his work in commercials and music videos, brings a fresh perspective to the documentary genre. His short film, 'Goldfish', starred the talented Michael Fassbender.
'Super Nature' is a collaborative effort produced by Seven Productions and Grasp the Nettle Films, with co-production by Forest of Black. The film's financing is a testament to its importance, with support from the BFI Doc Society Fund, Screen Scotland, Cinelab Film and Digital, Foghorn Features, and Autlook Filmsales, who handle international sales.
The production team includes producers Rebecca Wolff, Ed Sayers, and Beth Allan, alongside executive producer Asif Kapadia. And the buzz around the film is growing, with BFI Distribution acquiring it for theatrical release in the U.K. and Ireland.
In an interview with THR's Georg Szalai, Sayers and Wolff reveal their vision. They emphasize building a community around the film and nature, focusing on hope and emotional connection rather than fear-inducing statistics. This approach is a refreshing take on environmental storytelling.
But here's where it gets controversial: is it enough to evoke emotions without presenting the hard facts? Sayers and Wolff believe so, aiming to inspire action through a positive message. They want viewers to feel empowered to nurture their relationship with nature, a relationship that, as they say, needs care and attention.
The film's reception at the BFI London Film Festival has been remarkable. Audiences were deeply moved, feeling a sense of peace and love for nature. But the real impact, as Sayers suggests, is beyond conscious feelings, creating a profound connection with viewers.
The balance between facts, warnings, and encouragement is a delicate one. The filmmakers chose to celebrate nature rather than focus on dire warnings, a decision inspired by the late Jane Goodall's philosophy of individual impact. This approach has created a global tapestry of hope and appreciation for the natural world.
'Super Nature' is a film that dares to be different, sparking conversations and inspiring action. It challenges the norms of environmental storytelling, leaving audiences with a sense of wonder and a desire to protect our planet. And that's the power of cinema at its best!
