Film / News
Bristol films in the running for Panda Awards
The shortlisted titles for this year’s Green Oscars for natural history filmmaking – the Panda Awards – have just been announced. No fewer than seven local indies are in the running for gongs alongside Bristol’s traditional big hitter: the BBC Natural History Unit. Some 900 entries from ten countries have been whittled down to a shortlist of just 43 in 20 categories. The winners will be announced during the Wildscreen Festival in October.
The Beeb’s The Hunt leads the field, with six nominations. This was made by Bristol’s Silverback Films, which was also responsible for shortlisted Disneynature films Bears and Monkey Kingdom, making it the most nominated production company.
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Underlining the fact that you don’t need a huge budget to compete, the second most nominated contender, with five nods, is Jago: A Life Underwater from Bristol’s aptly named Underdog Films. Director James Reed funded this one on his credit card and by calling in help and favours. Set against the backdrop of Togian Islands in the Coral Triangle, it tells the story of an 80-year-old sea nomad called Rohani through re-enactments staged by family members and local villagers.
Other local productions on the shortlist include Africa’s Fishing Leopards from Icon Films (Animal Behaviour Award), My Life: Penguin Post Office from AGB Films (Children’s Award), India’s Wandering Lions from Ammonite Films (Creative Innovation Award & People and Nature Award), John Bishop’s Gorilla Adventure from Tigress Productions (Popular Broadcast Award) and Naledi: A Baby Elephant’s Tale from Off the Fence (Theatrical Award).
This year’s Wildscreen Festival runs from October 10-14, with the Panda Award winners being unveiled during a swanky, celeb-packed Green Oscars event at the Colston Hall on Thursday 13 October. The hosts are TV wildlife presenters Steve Backshall and Liz Bonnin. Tickets are now on sale here.