Wildscreen's portal for the wildlife and environmental media industryRare Bird - feature documentary
Submitted by Lucinda Spurling, Producer/Director
Afflare Films Ltd. is pleased to announce the completion and imminent festival release of the feature film Rare Bird (TRT 80min. Worldwide rights are available for this film).
Rare Bird tells the true story of the Cahow, a seabird species native to Bermuda that was believed to be extinct as of 1620 only to be rediscovered 325 years later. Continuously threatened by manmade development, invasive species, global warming and the pesticide DDT, the Cahow has been on the brink of extinction for over 4 centuries. The film chronicles the species' ongoing struggle for survival, including the devastating impact of Fabian (a category 4 hurricane that was a direct hit on Bermuda in September 2003).
Early settlers discovered the Cahow on the island of Bermuda in 1609. According to written records the bird was in abundance when man first landed on the island; however the species went into decline as a result of being hunted for food by man and also by wild hogs. The introduction of rats brought great devastation as they quickly multiplied, caused a plague and were thought to be ultimately responsible for the extinction of the Cahow.
As of 1620 the Cahow became a myth that was briefly documented in the historic logs and journals of the early settlers. 325 years later, a young Bermudian boy, a local naturalist and an American ornithologist made a historic rediscovery. Celebrated by naturalists around the world, the rediscovery of the Cahow was an incredible event. But this was only the beginning of a long struggle for the bird and also for the young boy, David Wingate, who made it his life's mission to save this rare bird from oblivion.
The film documents the revitalization of the Cahow population from a total of 14 birds to 142 birds over a period of 54 years. This is no small feat for a rare seabird that only breeds once a year and only lays one egg, which has a 50% chance of hatching successfully; not to mention the threats of global warming, DDT and manmade development.
While detailing the challenges that the species confronts, the film also tells the story of David Wingate. The boy who helped rediscover the Cahow and then went on to become Bermuda's first conservation officer who dedicated his life to ensuring the continuation of the unique species.
The film clearly demonstrates how one man can make a difference. From persistence to conservation to fighting against the odds, Rare Bird documents a real life story that is full of hardship, hope and inspiration; and it sends a clear message about the importance of striving for the continuation of existence.
Director, Lucinda Spurling
"The story of Rare Bird is the story of achieving the impossible."
Lucinda Spurling
Producer/Director, Rare Films
Email: afflarefilms@mac.com
Phone: +1 441 799 7770
Afflare Films Ltd. is pleased to announce the completion and imminent festival release of the feature film Rare Bird (TRT 80min. Worldwide rights are available for this film).Rare Bird tells the true story of the Cahow, a seabird species native to Bermuda that was believed to be extinct as of 1620 only to be rediscovered 325 years later. Continuously threatened by manmade development, invasive species, global warming and the pesticide DDT, the Cahow has been on the brink of extinction for over 4 centuries. The film chronicles the species' ongoing struggle for survival, including the devastating impact of Fabian (a category 4 hurricane that was a direct hit on Bermuda in September 2003).
Early settlers discovered the Cahow on the island of Bermuda in 1609. According to written records the bird was in abundance when man first landed on the island; however the species went into decline as a result of being hunted for food by man and also by wild hogs. The introduction of rats brought great devastation as they quickly multiplied, caused a plague and were thought to be ultimately responsible for the extinction of the Cahow.
As of 1620 the Cahow became a myth that was briefly documented in the historic logs and journals of the early settlers. 325 years later, a young Bermudian boy, a local naturalist and an American ornithologist made a historic rediscovery. Celebrated by naturalists around the world, the rediscovery of the Cahow was an incredible event. But this was only the beginning of a long struggle for the bird and also for the young boy, David Wingate, who made it his life's mission to save this rare bird from oblivion.The film documents the revitalization of the Cahow population from a total of 14 birds to 142 birds over a period of 54 years. This is no small feat for a rare seabird that only breeds once a year and only lays one egg, which has a 50% chance of hatching successfully; not to mention the threats of global warming, DDT and manmade development.
While detailing the challenges that the species confronts, the film also tells the story of David Wingate. The boy who helped rediscover the Cahow and then went on to become Bermuda's first conservation officer who dedicated his life to ensuring the continuation of the unique species.
The film clearly demonstrates how one man can make a difference. From persistence to conservation to fighting against the odds, Rare Bird documents a real life story that is full of hardship, hope and inspiration; and it sends a clear message about the importance of striving for the continuation of existence.
Director, Lucinda Spurling
"The story of Rare Bird is the story of achieving the impossible."
Lucinda Spurling
Producer/Director, Rare Films
Email: afflarefilms@mac.com
Phone: +1 441 799 7770
WildFilmNews publishes information and opinions as a service to its readers. The producers do not recommend or endorse any particular method, institution, product, treatment, or theory. Opinions expressed in WildFilmNews are not necessarily those of the producers.
