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Some Thoughts on the Common Toad is a compelling cine-collage manifesto that defends the essence of beauty in an age marked by political cynicism and environmental alienation. Drawing inspiration from George Orwell's thought-provoking essay, the film features a poignant narration by Tilda Swinton, whose voice brings a profound depth to the visuals. Through a rich tapestry of images and sound, Svatek explores the significance of the common toad as a symbol of natural beauty and ecological importance.
The film juxtaposes the serene elegance of the natural world with the harsh realities of contemporary societal and environmental issues. As it delves into themes of decay and hope, Some Thoughts on the Common Toad challenges viewers to reflect on their own relationship with nature and the impact of modern life on the environment. This cinematic piece serves not only as an artistic tribute to the toad but also as a resonant commentary on the broader themes of environmental preservation and aesthetic appreciation.
52 films in package
In Search of Grass
In the Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh, herders in the village of Langza face the harsh effects of climate change at 14,500 feet. Due to global warming, snowfall and rainfall have drastically decreased, resulting in insufficient grass for their livestock. This shift in weather patterns threatens the traditional livelihoods of the community, forcing herders to travel farther to find adequate grazing land for their animals.
ABBA
A gripping short film that follows two astronauts who land on a planet eerily similar to the Earth their ancestors left behind. Their mission to find water evolves into a profound journey of self-discovery and reflection on humanity's past. Through stunning visuals and deep narrative, the film explores existential themes of identity, history, and redemption.
A Flaming Forest
Exclusionary conservation practices in the Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple (BRT) Tiger Reserve have displaced Soliga adivasis from the forests they have historically inhabited. The film documents their intimate relationship with the forest, displacement induced loss and resistance against such policies, calling for an alternative vision to conservation.
A Body Called Life
In A Body Called Life, reclusive young man James explores the world of microscopic organisms, forming a deep connection with these tiny creatures and gaining a significant online following. Through this journey, he seeks to understand his place in the universe and confront his past scars. The film, adapted from James’s Instagram posts and featuring a score by Dan Deacon, is a personal exploration of self-discovery and healing.
Closed captions available
A River in Trouble: The Fragile Gori Basin
In A River in Trouble: The Fragile Gori Basin, directed by Neha Dixit, explores the environmental crisis in Uttarakhand, India. The Gori Basin, rich in biodiversity, faces severe threats from a 2900% increase in landslides and mass displacement due to climate change. This film highlights the basin's fragile ecosystems and the urgent need for conservation as human activities and environmental degradation push the region to the brink.
A Work in Progress (कार्य प्रगति पर है)
The film traces the life of Construction & Demolition (C&D) waste that does not undergo recycling in any government processing plants. Through the lens of urban planning on the capital city of Madhya Pradesh, Bhopal, the film demonstrates how the C&D waste is managed and reused informally by the people living in Mandwa, one of the informal settlements of Bhopal.
Akunthit
Gopal Nag from Chandamari village in Assam, who lost his lower limbs in a 2014 accident, turned to sustainable farming with his mother’s support. His journey from despair to purpose highlights his resilience and determination. Now, Nag advocates for the disabled to see themselves as specially abled and seek independence, promoting empowerment through equality rather than charity.
Batsies
Batsies is an experimental short documentary about two wildlife biologists, Sara Weaver and Sarah Fritts, who challenge the stigma surrounding bats. Based in Texas, these quirky, tattooed women tackle cutting-edge bat research, focusing on threats from wind turbines. Despite the crucial role bats play in agriculture, their public image has worsened since COVID-19. The film highlights their unique friendship and dedication to saving these misunderstood creatures.
Closed captions available
Benden Sana (Over To You)
Benden Sana (Over To You), is set in Gerze, Turkey, along the Black Sea. The film highlights Aunty Ilknur, a respected community leader, and her villagers' fight against industrial threats to their pristine waters. As they strive to protect their environment and heritage from corporate encroachment, the film captures their collective resilience and local activism, reflecting the broader conflict between industrialization and environmental preservation.
Burnt Country
Burnt Country explores Australia's ancient fire management practices rooted in 65,000 years of Indigenous knowledge. The film highlights how First Nations people use controlled burns to care for the land, contrasting with modern methods. It advocates blending these traditional practices with contemporary fire management to address Australia's environmental challenges and emphasises the deep connection between Indigenous communities and the landscape.
Closed captions available
Camels of the Sea
Jethabhai Rabari reflects on the crisis facing his Kharai camels, an endangered breed adapted to Gujarat's coastal mangroves. Once owning 300 camels, Jethabhai now has only 40 due to a 1995 ban on grazing in the Marine National Park. The film showcases the camels’ desperate swims for mangrove leaves and the herders' struggle against fines and restrictions, highlighting the tension between conservation and traditional livelihoods.
Closed captions available
Crying Glacier
The louder the glacier, the stronger the melt. The creaking, cracking and rippling is the voice of impermanence. Sound artist Ludwig Berger shows how important it is to listen to the world that surrounds us. The film follows him on one of his numerous visits to Morteratsch glacier in the Swiss Alps, where he collects fascinating sounds that might disappear forever.
Closed captions available
Curupira - Mother of the Forest
Curupira - Mother of the Forest is a 12-minute film that explores the mystical Amazonian goddess Curupira through the Borarí people of Pará, Brazil. Curupira is both a benevolent guardian and a fierce protector of the rainforest. The film blends vivid visuals with traditional Borarí voices to highlight the goddess’s dual nature and the sacred balance between humanity and nature. It serves as a poignant reminder of the deep connection and respect required for the environment.
Echoes of the Swiftlets: Exploring the Hidden World of the Indian Swiftlet
Off the coast of Maharashtra lies a landscape unlike any other. Colossal cliffs, crashing waves, mysterious sea caves and haunted lighthouses – this is the Vengurla rocks archipelago. Two of these islands are home to the biggest known breeding colonies of the Indian swiftlets. Studying these birds in this harsh terrain is no easy feat. Watch Dr Sirish Manchi and Dhanusha Kawalkar tackle challenges as they study the mysterious Indian swiftlet.
Foragers
Foragers moves between documentary and fiction to depict the dramas between the Israeli Nature Protection Authority and Palestinian foragers. With a wry sense of humour, the film captures the inherited love, resilience and knowledge of these traditions, over an eminently political backdrop.
Gopi
Gopi Siddi is a middle-aged storyteller who identifies herself with the Siddi community (African Diaspora in South India). Inspired by the oral form of storytelling, Gopi desires to get her stories self published; however, she must first face her battles with alienation, social standing, and environmental catastrophe.
Gutter Ki Machhli (Fish from the Sewer)
Gutter Ki Machhli weaves together the voices of the children, youth and women of a rehabilitation and resettlement colony in Govandi, Mumbai through their drawings and poetry to vocalise, localise and visualise their experiences of climate change in their poorly built homes and neighbourhood.
In Search of Kasturi
In Search of Kasturi, is an exploration of the filmmaker and her team to find the elusive and mystical Himalayan musk deer. Against the stunning and challenging landscape of the Indian Himalayas, their ultimate encounter with the creature becomes a poignant reminder of the beauty and fragility of our natural world.
Jamna - The River Story
The river Yamuna, known to the locals as 'Jamna', the lifeline of Delhi, is going through a major crisis due to pollution, mismanagement and sheer ignorance. A documentary crew tries to make sense of the situation by talking to different stakeholders and Shyam - a boatman who relies on the river for his livelihood.
Junk- e
Electronic waste or e-waste is considered to be the fastest growing waste stream in India. This short documentary follows one such stream to Magrahat, a village near Kolkata, where e-waste is both a livelihood and a looming crisis. The film raises important questions about the life cycle of technology, from its creation to its eventual disposal, and the responsibility that both manufacturers and consumers bear in ensuring a more sustainable future.
Kenya's Desert Alert
In just 10 years, Kenya lost nearly 10% of its humid primary forest. In addition, droughts are a much more common phenomenon now and are much more intense. The result is that the country is steadily becoming a desert. This documentary is a warning; it explores the extent of deforestation and degradation, the drivers, potential risks and possible solutions.
Closed captions available
Krem Umladaw: The Descent into Darkness
Few have descended into the absolute darkness of Krem Umladaw. It is one of India's deepest vertical caves and extremely tricky to navigate. However, a rare creature waits at its base. Join wildlife and conservation photographer Dhritiman Mukherjee and team on an expedition to document the barely known ecosystem.
Last Days of Summer
Last Days of Summer follows two young shepherds in the remote Himalayas who hear a mysterious sound that no one else in their village can. Dismissed by the villagers, the pair embark on a brave journey into the unknown to uncover the source of the unsettling noise, confronting a mystery that challenges their courage and curiosity.
Lullaby of Waves
A 53-year-old woman reflects on 26 years of marriage and motherhood, focusing on her struggles for employment in Assam’s remote Sadiya region, divided by the Brahmaputra River. Viewed as an outsider, she faced challenges to her home and identity. Narrated by her son, the film explores themes of belonging, resilience, and the enduring impact of the river on their lives as they question whether this land is truly home.
Lunatic
The film follows Antonio, a lonely astronaut stranded on the moon after coming out. With the Moon Guard statue symbolising protection against space debris, Antonio confronts the threat of Kessler syndrome, which endangers communications with cascading collisions. He tries terraforming the moon and meets the all-knowing 'I Am AI,' who narrates. Reflecting on humanity’s impact, Antonio muses: “It is one small scrap by man, one giant heap by mankind.”
Mandakini Ki Awaz
Mandakini ki Awaaz, a community radio station in Rudraprayag, focuses on building awareness about disaster risk reduction and response. They relay timely government advisories on extreme weather events and frequently broadcast public service announcements on forest fires, landslides, flash floods etc.
Miles Away
The film follows the journey of three women who work at a brick kiln on the outskirts of a city in North India, in the midst of extreme rains and a global pandemic. What unfolds is a story of mobility, debt and the everyday lives of the caste-oppressed women, whose labour is both crucial and too often invisible, in the story of a rapidly urbanising global India.
Moon Without a House
Moon Without a House (Atanur Nabiyeva) explores the lives of a grandmother and granddaughter named Tazaghul, who live in a remote Azerbaijani mountain hut. Through serene visuals, the film reveals their deep bond and enduring resilience against a backdrop of desolation. The name "Tazaghul," meaning "fresh flowers," contrasts with their rugged surroundings, symbolising hope and love in isolation. The film poignantly captures their vanishing way of life and emotional strength.
My Mercury
A passionate conservationist makes a cruel pact to save endangered seabirds from extinction on an inhospitable island, alone. In the end, it’s a victory for the birds, but at what price? The protagonist's intervention in this eco-psychological documentary reflects the kinds of choices we are facing in a world that we’re destroying.
Closed captions available
New Boats
The village of Tombo, once thriving on sustainable fishing, now faces decline due to overfishing by foreign trawlers, known locally as chigie-chorga, with corrupt government support. As the fish population dwindles, the women who process and sell the catch lose their livelihoods, and men are forced to seek work abroad. Amidst the corruption and neglect, Sullay and Woodie strive to unite their community and protect their way of life, but the challenges are immense.
ORCA: Black & White Gold
This captivating docu-thriller delves into the international orca trade, exposing how an American business model has influenced the illegal capture of endangered wild orcas. Through unprecedented access to journalists, activists, and former trainers, the film follows a truth-seeking journalist uncovering Russia’s illicit orca trade to China. The global outcry leads to the release of over 100 captive orcas and belugas from the notorious "whale jail." As activists and a ragtag team of catchers orchestrate a daring release, a former orca trainer goes undercover to reveal the harsh realities of life in captivity for these intelligent animals.
Phool Dei
Located in the fictional realm of Dev Bhoomi and nestled among majestic mountains, the narrative of the story is about the festival of flowers that celebrates the culture and togetherness of Uttarakhand, seen from the perspective of a small girl Medha as she goes on a Magical and an Adventurous journey to collect flowers for her village before it turns into a ghost village.
Plastic People
Plastic People is a landmark feature documentary that explores humanity’s complex and often troubling relationship with plastic. The film follows one woman’s determined mission to uncover and expose shocking new revelations about the impact of microplastics on human health. The documentary reveals how microscopic plastic particles have infiltrated every aspect of our environment—air, water, soil—and have now made their way into our bodies, posing significant health risks. Plastic People challenges viewers to confront the pervasive and insidious nature of plastic pollution and calls for urgent action to address this global crisis.
Reading Landscape with David Holmgren
Walk with David Holmgren (co-originator of the permaculture movement) across Djaara Country, as he shares his insights and discusses his unique approach to reading landscape, a wealth of knowledge and wisdom developed over forty years. David’s approach contributes to re-embedding the reading landscape into our cultures as a known and fundamental human capacity, providing an opportunity for humans everywhere to deepen their connection to place.
Closed captions available
Requiem for a Whale
On a stormy night in early 2021, a beached whale washes ashore at Nitzanim Beach, Israel. The film documents the whale’s burial and features phone calls between the director and the witnesses: a photographer, a news reporter, and a Bedouin tractor driver. The encounter with the whale’s corpse evokes the witnesses' thoughts about the dialogue between death and life.
Saving The Bone-Swallower
Saving the Bone-swallower explores the fight for survival of the critically endangered Greater Adjutant storks, with fewer than 2,000 left globally. The film follows Purnima Devi Barman, a grassroots conservationist, who mobilises rural Assamese women to save these birds from a desolate landfill while providing new livelihoods. Alongside Dr. Samshul Ali, they raise two orphaned stork chicks, showcasing the power of community-based conservation and the deep bond between humans and nature.
School of Fish
School of Fish delves into the Indigenous bond with salmon in Bristol Bay, Alaska, where fishing traditions are crucial. As Pebble Mine threatens pollution, local youth learn both fishing and activism. The film highlights a family's salmon rituals and the Bristol Bay Guide Academy, which trains young conservationists. Will they rise to protect the world’s most prolific salmon run?
Closed captions available
Shera
In this story, 11-year-old Monu faces moving from his remote Himalayan village to the city, realising he may never see Shera, the elusive leopard everyone else has spotted. As Monu grows despondent with the move approaching, his best friend Raju is determined to give him a special parting gift—a chance to see Shera before he leaves.
Some Thoughts on the Common Toad
A cine-collage manifesto inspired by George Orwell’s essay, with Tilda Swinton narrating. The film uses a blend of images and sound to highlight the common toad as a symbol of natural beauty amidst environmental and political decay. It contrasts the elegance of nature with contemporary issues, urging viewers to reconsider their relationship with the environment and appreciate its beauty and significance.
Closed captions available
Spirit of Place
Spirit of Place is the first film to use Equity’s Green Rider, exploring the UK’s vital yet underappreciated wetlands through the eyes of two young protagonists. As they engage with these crucial habitats, they embark on a journey of self-discovery and deepen their understanding of nature. The film encourages viewers to reconnect with the environment and reflect on their own relationship with the natural world.
Stubble - The Farmer's Bane
Stubble – The Farmer’s Bane examines the stubble burning crisis in Punjab, India, which contributes to Delhi's severe pollution. The film shifts focus from media headlines to the agricultural challenges faced by local farmers. It highlights how outdated policies and unsustainable practices have damaged the land’s ecology. Featuring two farmers who defy the norm by not burning stubble, it questions whether they can lead the way to environmental sustainability without sacrificing their livelihoods.
Submerged
Kotmir, a village in Dharaji Panchayat, faced submergence due to the Omkareshwar Dam but its residents stayed put, refusing to leave due to unresolved compensation. During the COVID-19 lockdown, these migrant labourers returned home only to find their village's panchayat dissolved and no local authority to address their issues, as the villages were officially classified as "under the submergence area."
The Forest Of The Honey Bees
Isabelle, a devoted mother, violinist, and beekeeper on the island of Ouessant in Brittany, France, dedicates herself to protecting her bees in a local conservatory. With her daughter Hélène, she shares the enchanting legends of bees, emphasising their vital role in the ecosystem. This 20-minute animated film intertwines personal passion with ecological importance, celebrating the deep connection between bees, nature, and humanity.
The Legend of Goldhorn
A heartbroken hunter, driven by grief and madness, ventures into the mountains, and goes against the mythical power of nature. Haunted by visions of his lost love, he is led by a shadowy guide to hunt the mythical Goldhorn, which ultimately leads to his demise. This 13-minute, dialogue-free film, inspired by Slovenian folklore, explores themes of greed and our relationship with nature, enhanced by a traditional Slavic musical score.
The Ngamees (Fisherfolks) of the Last Wetlands
The documentary reveals the struggles of the Ngamee fishing community in Manipur, India. It highlights their challenges amidst the ecological threats to Loktak Lake, their essential habitat, due to pollution and climate change. By exploring their deep connection to this environment, the film underscores the urgent need to safeguard both their cultural heritage and the fragile ecosystem they rely on.
Tomorrow, the Burning Heavens
This short film explores the 1560s' ‘Little Ice Age’ and its apocalyptic fears, illustrated in hand-coloured woodblock prints. The film juxtaposes these historical anxieties with modern-day artificial winter landscapes in the Alps, created for skiing resorts. By merging past and present, it examines how image-making, technology, and faith interact amidst environmental crises, reflecting on our evolving perceptions of nature and climate change.
Closed captions available
understorey
Capturing the passion of Sarawak's driven conservation community, understorey explores the adversity and hope in this field. The short documentary encapsulates the constant uphill battle to preserve the magnificent rainforests of Malaysia and its array of creatures, big and small, which inhabit them.
Closed captions available
What Really Counts
What Really Counts, directed by Kent Martin, challenges the global reliance on Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as the primary measure of progress. The documentary argues that this focus on perpetual economic growth leads to devastating consequences like war, poverty, climate change, and mass extinctions. It follows Ronald Colman, a Canadian political scientist, and Jigme Y Thinley, Bhutan's former Prime Minister, as they advocate for alternative metrics—Colman's Genuine Progress Index (GPI) and Thinley’s Gross National Happiness (GNH). These metrics prioritise human well-being and sustainability over mere economic output. The film explores their efforts to shift global thinking from relentless growth to a more balanced approach that truly reflects what counts in life.
Wild Hope: One Golden Chance
The Golden Lion Tamarin, once on the brink of extinction with fewer than 200 individuals in the 1970s, has seen a remarkable recovery thanks to a global captive breeding program and reforestation efforts. Despite a recent yellow fever outbreak that reduced their numbers by over 1,000, virologist Marcos da Silva Freire's adaptation of a human vaccine for the tamarins has been successful. Today, their population has rebounded to 4,800, showcasing the power of conservation and scientific innovation.
Closed captions available
Wild Summon
Wild Summon, directed by Karni and Saul, is a natural history fantasy that portrays the wild salmon's life cycle in human form. Narrated by Marianne Faithfull, the film follows the salmon's epic journey from freshwater birth to oceanic adulthood and back. This BFI short film blends myth and nature, offering a unique perspective on the profound connection between these remarkable creatures and their environment.
Closed captions available
Your Pet Cat’s Wild Relative Has A New Home
What is the jungle cat doing in Gurugram's farmlands? This elusive species, usually found in grasslands and dense vegetation, has adapted to survive in agricultural areas near Gurugram and beyond. Despite its wide distribution and status as one of India's ten small wild cat species, little is known about its ecology in human-dominated landscapes. While large cats receive much attention, India’s small cats, including the jungle cat, also require focus for conservation efforts.
Ullarivu (The Awakening)
A young girl’s deep connection with nature starts to disintegrate when she encounters the strangeness of the world. She loves exploring the world around her with curiosity and a sense of belonging that has not been questioned yet. But, soon she is forced to understand the rules of the game she's destined to play, as her life as an awakened girl begins.
Some Thoughts on the Common Toad is a compelling cine-collage manifesto that defends the essence of beauty in an age marked by political cynicism and environmental alienation. Drawing inspiration from George Orwell's thought-provoking essay, the film features a poignant narration by Tilda Swinton, whose voice brings a profound depth to the visuals. Through a rich tapestry of images and sound, Svatek explores the significance of the common toad as a symbol of natural beauty and ecological importance.
The film juxtaposes the serene elegance of the natural world with the harsh realities of contemporary societal and environmental issues. As it delves into themes of decay and hope, Some Thoughts on the Common Toad challenges viewers to reflect on their own relationship with nature and the impact of modern life on the environment. This cinematic piece serves not only as an artistic tribute to the toad but also as a resonant commentary on the broader themes of environmental preservation and aesthetic appreciation.