Super Nature is a compelling 2025 documentary from Ed Sayers which focuses on the beauty of our natural world. Composed of footage shot globally by different contributors, the film depicts various aspects of nature and the ways we interact with it.
The Super 8
From salmon in the Isle of Lewis to sloths in San José, this documentary is an exploration of nature through the lens of the Super 8 camera. This was a deliberate choice by Sayers, who previously promoted the device for filmmaking in his film, Straight 8.
Sayers credits the camera as being the perfect device for his project. Its quiet nature allows the filmmakers to get close to the animal subjects and follow them without disturbing them. On top of this, the fact that you cannot check the footage means it is truly the moment that matters. It is a fully immersive experience; this carries over into the film.
“Through this lens, you go beyond just looking at nature, to really seeing it.”
Shot across 5 continents, with voice-overs in 11 different languages from the contributors, it is a film of love, dedicated to our mutual home, Earth. Each contributor shares a different story, a reflection of the world around them. It is a reminder of just how vast and diverse the world is.
In moments where voiceovers from the contributors pause, all that is left are the quiet sounds of nature and the beauty that is depicted on screen.
The destruction of beauty
Beyond solely showcasing different landscapes and the animals that inhabit them, there is also a focus on how different cultures interact with nature, and the footprints mankind has left on the environment.
There is a stark contrast between the shots of conservationists attempting to protect the planet and those of destruction. War zones in Ukraine, the effects of poaching, and the removal of waste from the Pacific Ocean; there is a clear message. We are responsible for the destruction of nature, so we must be the ones to restore it.
Sayers highlights the beauty of the natural world and the growing need to protect it, as well as appreciate its simplicity.
The documentary, which was produced by Screen Scotland, has been acquired by BFI Distribution. It will be available in cinemas this Autumn.
Feature Image credit: BFI Distribution
