Wildscreen unveils six natural world film premieres at Bristol venues this October

Bristol’s Wildscreen Festival returns next month for its first in-person event since 2018, running from October 10-14. Renowned for its Panda Awards and for providing a forum for the world’s greatest natural world filmmakers, storytellers and conservationists, Wildscreen also offers an opportunity to see some of the best new films. Tickets are now on sale for the 2022 Official Selection programme, which comprises six premieres accompanied by filmmaker Q&As. The screenings take place at the Cube and on the giant former IMAX screen at Bristol Aquarium. Eyes down for full details:

Lynx

Cube cinema, Monday 10 October, 7pm

Swiss filmmaker Laurent Geslin tracks the daily life in the wild of a lynx family through the seasons. He’ll be present for a Q&A after the screening.

My Garden of a Thousand Bees

Cube cinema, Tuesday 11 October, 7pm

Panda award nominated in five categories, acclaimed Bristol wildlife cameraman Martin Dohrn’s lockdown film focuses on the bees in his urban garden, revealing many a fascinating story. Martin and director Dave Allen will be present for a Q&A after the screening.

Jaguaretê – Avá – Pantanal in Flames

Bristol Aquarium, Friday 14 October, 3pm

Wildlife filmmaker Lawrence Wahba explores the ecological disaster caused by the worst forest fires in the history of Brazil’s Pantanal world natural heritage site, recording the efforts of firefighters, veterinarians, researchers, villagers and volunteers to save animal lives and protect the biome. Lawrence and producer Jefferson Pedace will be present for a Q&A after the screening.

Panteras – Living with Wild Cats

Bristol Aquarium, Friday 14 October, 6:30pm

Spanish filmmaker Andoni Canela offers a different way of looking at big cats, through his son Unai’s adventures on four continents. Andoni and Unai will be present for a Q&A after the screening, together with producer José María Morales.

Mother of the Sea

Bristol Aquarium, Saturday 15 October, 3pm

Nicholas Brown’s short film based on the Inuit folk tale about the perils of disrespecting nature updates this ‘living story’ to incorporate plastic pollution and climate change. Screened as a double-bill with . . .

Miwene

Bristol Aquarium, Saturday 15 October, 3pm

In a documentary that was shot over ten years, Anita Yeti tells her own coming-of-age story as a young Waorani woman living deep within the Amazon rainforest. She’s the granddaughter of one of the last Waorani elders, who lived in complete isolation before outside contact. The film captures her transition from a quiet teenager into a confident young mother at a critical turning point for her culture and the rainforest. Co-director Keith Heyward will be present for a Q&A after the screening.

I Am Capable

Bristol Aquarium, Saturday 15 October, 6:30pm

A short film about women made by an all-woman crew, I Am Capable tells the story of Amira Patel, who set out to create a safe space for Muslim women outdoors in the English countryside. She founded the Wanderlust Women group and discovered a love of wild swimming during lockdown. Director Roxy Furman will be present for a Q&A after the screening, which is part of a double-bill with . . .

https://youtu.be/8Zf0Ljr1Hu4

Exposure

Bristol Aquarium, Saturday 15 October, 6:30pm

Against all odds and advice, a Muslim chaplain, a French biologist, a Qatari princess and eight other women from the Arab World and the West attempt to ski across the melting Arctic sea ice to the North Pole.  Led by veteran polar explorer Felicity Aston, they navigate everything from frostbite and polar bear threats, to sexism and self-doubt in an intimate story of resilience, survival and global citizenry. Expedition team members may be present for this screening (TBC).

Wildscreen are keen to add that the screenings are supported by the BFI Film Audience Network, awarding funds from the National Lottery in order to bring these films to more audiences in the South West. Tickets are now on sale here.

Main image: Lynx. Supplied by Wildscreen

Read more: Local productions dominate this year’s Wildscreen Festival Panda Award nominations