Ed Sayers’s Super Nature, a documentary crafted from Super 8 film, offers a fresh and unpredictable perspective on the world’s natural beauty. The film, set to hit UK cinemas in 2026, distinguishes itself by employing a unique approach, showcasing footage captured by 40 filmmakers and enthusiasts across 25 countries, all filmed on the 1965 Eastman Kodak Super 8 format.
A Revival of Super 8 and a Global Collaboration
The Super 8 film format’s survival is due in large part to a small but dedicated global community of filmmakers who appreciate its distinct aesthetic. Sayers, known for his work in commercials and music videos, not only shares this passion but has also demonstrated remarkable organizational skills. Super Nature, which premiered at the London Film Festival, is a testament to this ability, bringing together a diverse range of perspectives on the natural world.
Beyond “Green” Credentials: The Beauty of Lo-Fi Aesthetics
While distributors at the British Film Institute (BFI) highlight the film’s environmentally friendly nature—a globe-spanning project with zero air miles—the most compelling aspect of Super Nature is its visual style. Super 8 film creates a distinctive look marked by glare, flare, shakiness, and shifts in hue and tone. As Sayers puts it, the format renders memories as if “someone had painted them for you.” This unfiltered look feels more authentic than the polished perfection often seen in conventional nature documentaries, as it mirrors the imperfections of our own perceptions.
Capturing the Fleeting Moments of Nature
The film doesn’t shy away from the challenges of filming wildlife on Super 8. Some of the more ambitious shots of small, fast, or elusive creatures are difficult to discern. However, the film wisely avoids portraying this as a limitation. Instead, it suggests that an animal’s value isn’t diminished by a fleeting glimpse – emphasizing the importance of appreciating nature’s subtle, often unexpected moments. One sequence, featuring migrating geese, feels somewhat contrived due to its elaborate setup, contrasting with the film’s otherwise naturalistic approach. The director suggests a more intimate connection – “lying in a puddle in the rain with a plastic bag over your head, filming a snail.”
A Shift in Perspective on Big-Budget Nature Filmmaking
Traditional nature documentaries strive to reveal previously unseen worlds, employing advanced technology to showcase nature in extraordinary detail. While this pursuit is admirable, the film raises a thought-provoking question: could viewers become desensitized to these carefully crafted spectacles? Super Nature offers a refreshing alternative, prioritizing authenticity and intimacy over technical perfection.
Personal Stories and Diverse Voices
Structurally, the film intertwines its natural world imagery with the stories behind the footage. Each sequence—ranging from flamingoes to coral—is accompanied by a voiceover from the filmmaker, sharing their personal connection to the subject. The film is filled with charming observations, such as the description of puffin sounds (“clownish, as though they were wearing outsize slippers”) and the recognition of their “kindest eyes.” The testimonials are both inspiring and diverse, reflecting a range of motivations for exploring the natural world. Some filmmakers embraced Super 8 to rediscover their surroundings after difficult times, while others express earnest ecological concerns.
The Filmmaker’s Journey
The film also follows Sayers’s own journey as he realizes his ambitious project. The narrative arc unfolds in three acts: the director’s initial vision, a period of discouragement fueled by footage depicting environmental crises, and ultimately, a restoration of hope inspired by the playful antics of a seal. While the overall storyline is somewhat predictable, it provides a helpful framework for appreciating the film’s more spontaneous moments.
Simon’s Recommendations
Simon also recommends these complementary works:
- Film: The Silent World by Jacques Cousteau and Louis Malle—a 1956 documentary that revolutionized our understanding of the ocean depths through color cinematography.
- TV: Walking With Dinosaurs by Tim Haines—a 1999 BBC documentary that combined scientific accuracy with dramatic storytelling to bring the Mesozoic Era to life.
Super Nature is more than just a “green” documentary; it’s a celebration of the natural world and the human connection to it, revealed through the unique charm of vintage film. The film’s distinctive visual style and diverse perspectives offer a compelling and unpredictable viewing experience that challenges conventional nature filmmaking and reminds us to find beauty in the unexpected. It is a testament to the power of simple technology and the enduring appeal of seeing the world through a different lens
