Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's 'Super Nature'! This isn't just a science doc, travel essay, or political film; it's a global love letter to nature, evoking the nostalgia of old family home movies. The film, directed by Ed Sayers in his feature debut, focuses on visual and auditory beauty rather than statistics and data. The Super 8 images, collected from around the world, flutter across the screen, reminding us of the marvels of nature and wildlife and why they deserve protection. The film's synopsis on the website of the 69th edition of the BFILondon Film Festival (LFF) reads, 'How do you make a film about the natural world that's environmentally sound? The solution is a community film spanning continents.'
Sayers, with a background in directing and producing commercials and music videos, and his first short film, 'Goldfish' featuring Michael Fassbender, has crafted a truly engrossing cinematic experience. The movie is a Seven Productions and Grasp the Nettle Films production, co-produced by Forest of Black, and financed by the BFI Doc Society Fund, Screen Scotland, Cinelab Film and Digital, Foghorn Features, and Autlook Filmsales. The producers include Rebecca Wolff, Beth Allan, and executive producer Asif Kapadia.
BFI Distribution has picked up 'Super Nature' for theatrical release in the U.K. and Ireland. Sayers and producer Wolff discussed building a community around film and nature, focusing on hope rather than fear. The film is less about scary facts and figures and more about making people feel something. Wolff praised BFI Distribution as an amazing partner, passionate about bringing films to the big screen. Sayers emphasized their desire to reach a wide audience and spark conversations about nature.
The film's reception at the LFF cinemas was peaceful and emotional, with people feeling positive and inspired. Despite some scary trends affecting nature, the film isn't a dire warning but an appreciation of the natural world. It's about finding connection and celebrating people's connection to nature worldwide. The film's global tapestry was achieved through 40 Super 8 collaborators in 25 countries across five continents, aiming to inspire active hope and change.
