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Discover Alan Watson Featherstone’s inspiring efforts to restore Scotland’s ancient Caledonian forest and the pivotal role of rewilding in addressing the global environmental crisis. This beautifully crafted documentary offers an in-depth look at the transformative work of this pioneering conservationist.  Through Alan’s personal journey, this galvanising film illustrates the urgent need for individual responsibility in preserving our planet. Featuring insights from leading figures in conservation, including George Monbiot, Roy Dennis OBE, and Dr. Duncan Halley, who discuss the restoration of habitats and the reintroduction of Scotland's iconic species, such as capercaillie, beaver, and wildcat. The Bough Breaks not only highlights Alan’s remarkable legacy but also calls for collective action to ensure a sustainable future, making it an essential watch for anyone concerned about Scotland’s environment. (Caroline Strong and Danny Strong, UK, 60 mins)

This special Premiere features a new, enhanced cut of the film, showcasing stunning, never-before-seen footage of Scotland's elusive, lost predators.

www.mouseholefilms.co.uk  

The screening will be followed by a live onstage Q&A with directors Caroline Strong and Danny Strong.

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About the filmmakers:

With nearly 40 years in media, Caroline Strong is a director, writer, actress, and voice-over artist for BBC, ITV, Channel 4, BBC Radio, and the National Theatre. Passionate about conservation, she co-founded Mousehole Films to produce Natural History content. Her debut feature, The Village on the Loch (2018), won 14 festival awards. Currently, she co-directs her second feature, The Bough Breaks, blending media expertise with her love for the natural world.

Danny Strong makes his directorial debut with The Bough Breaks, co-directed with Caroline Strong for Mousehole Films. His journey began in 2014 at Trees for Life. He directs short films, with two receiving commendations in the 2018 British Wildlife Photography Awards. Danny also presents The Outside In, a YouTube wildlife series. An ecological consultant, he works with NatureScot and The James Hutton Institute, holding an MSc in Ecology and Conservation and a BSc in Environmental Science.

With short film:

Puffling

Scottish Premiere. Teenagers Birta and Selma trade late-night parties for nocturnal puffin rescues, navigating the challenges of growing up on a remote Icelandic island. This coming-of-age documentary follows their efforts, highlighting the delicate interplay between wildlife, the environment, and human life. Puffling explores growing up, making choices, and the impact of humanity on nature. (Jessica Bishopp, Iceland/UK, 20 mins)

In Icelandic with English subtitles.

The screening will be followed by a live onstage Q&A with producer Alice Hughes and the film's protagonist, puffin rescuer Selma Rún Scheving Jónsdóttir.

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About the Filmmaker:

Jessica Bishopp, an award-winning British documentary filmmaker, explores subcultures and universal themes in daily life. Her work has screened at festivals like Sheffield DocFest, Aspen Shortsfest, and AFI DOCS. Her film Life was broadcast on Channel 4, and her documentaries have featured on The Atlantic, NOWNESS, and The Guardian, earning several Vimeo Staff Pick awards. She represented the UK at Berlinale Talents 2020. Her films Skyward and Puffling premiered at BFI London Film Festival 2022 and SXSW 2023, respectively.

About the Guest Speakers:

Alice Hughes is an award-winning producer based in London, UK, known for her diverse and captivating films. Her work has garnered recognition at prestigious festivals like SXSW, Sundance London, AFI Docs, and Palm Springs, earning multiple Grierson and BIFA nominations. Her debut feature Half Way led to a BAFTA Breakthrough Brit award and a BIFA nomination. Her short film Puffling premiered at SXSW 2023, winning the Oscar Qualifying Jury Award at Aspen Shortsfest. Alice runs Beehive Films, focusing on socially-driven, character-centric films.

Selma Rún Scheving Jónsdóttir is a teenager living on the remote Icelandic island of Vestmannaeyjar, where she devotes her summer nights to rescuing lost pufflings. Balancing typical teenage life with her deep connection to nature, Selma embodies a sense of duty, rescuing pufflings that mistake city lights for the moon. Her story, depicted in the film Puffling, highlights the intrinsic bond between her and the island's wildlife, illustrating a unique and intimate approach to climate action.

This programme is rated 12A

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