Alt + Shift

Alt+Shift is a dynamic short film series that reimagines everyday actions as powerful acts of environmental change. In each episode, individuals transform common activities like jogging or gardening, into impactful sustainability practices. From rewilding urban spaces to reducing food waste, these stories showcase how small shifts in behavior can lead to significant positive outcomes for the planet.

Africas's Hidden Seaforest

A quest to discover and reveal the Great African Sea Forest, the vast biodiversity that depends on it, and its importance to the planet.In the cold depths of the Atlantic Ocean, fears of swimming are overcome, and mental health issues are faced. A magical sea forest of kelp is brought to light. And a story of bravery and biodiversity teaches us that nature heals, if we just feel and listen.

Broken Wings

Broken Wings is a powerful documentary music film that sheds light on the hidden crisis of bird poaching in Southeast Asia. The documentary uncovers the alarming rate at which forests are being depleted, threatening over 1,500 bird species with extinction. Despite the gravity of this crisis, the issue remains largely underreported. Through stunning cinematography by Nicholas Chin and a haunting musical score by Ludovico Einaudi, "Broken Wings" immerses viewers in the plight of these birds, emphasizing the destructive consequences of this illicit trade.

Challenge the Gap with Paul Black

Challenge the Gap with Paul Black is a fun yet investigative social short following the Glaswegian Tik-Tok star on a journey of discovery as he meets innovative businesses in his home city who are leading the way when it comes to shifting towards a circular economy. Helping to break down barriers on the topic of circularity, Paul will undertake a series of challenges inspired by the local businesses he'll meet.

Curupira: The Mother of the Forest

Curupira is the story of a powerful Amazonian goddess told through the voices of the Borarí people from the heart of the forest in Pará, Brazil. She is the all powerful guardian of all living beings in the forest. And while she is generous, if you disrespect her home, her punishments are merciless. Her warnings are more relevant than ever in a contemporary reality where the forces of agri-business and logging are decimating the forest faster than we can protect it.

Europe's Biggest Lie

These short films go beyond the headlines to uncover the human stories behind Europe’s biggest environmental threat. Told using a range of contributors in the UK and the Netherlands, we reveal the scale and life threatening impact of the pollution that we breathe in everyday, as well as the inaction of our governments.

Every Living Thing

Most mainstream media paints nature as survival of the fittest theater but there's more to the natural world than wildlife flouncing around for our entertainment. Meet the keystone species who keep our delicate disco of ecosystems, and you, alive. Find out why we need bees to keep getting busy; why whales are worth over a trillion dollars - alive, not dead; and why wolves and jaguars are born to re-wild. And most importantly, learn from the experts what you can do to give the species that support all life, the kiss of life, they deserve.

Extract. Destroy. Repeat.

Set in the far-off dystopian future of... 2023. Extract. Destroy. Repeat is a short animation following our unlikely hero Stan, during his induction day at the deep-sea mining company, Happy Metals Corp. During his first expedition at the company, Stan discovers the wondrous beauty of incredible ecosystems teeming with life far below the ocean’s surface.

Food for Thought

More than ⅓ of the world's food is wasted, accounting for around 8% of all greenhouse gas emissions. And where does this waste go? The vast majority, to landfills. Featuring Simmie Vedi - a freelance Chef based in Cardiff, and Douglas McMaster - Founder of the world's first zero-waste food restaurant, this short film explores the creative ways that humans and the food industry itself are re-imagining food waste.

Greenwash, Explained with Hamsters

Not all “eco-friendly” claims are created equal, and some aren’t even remotely true. In a world flooded with green logos, vague buzzwords, and feel-good sustainability promises, how do you tell genuine climate action from a well-funded PR illusion? In this clever, quirky, and surprisingly informative short film, a team of tiny, climate-conscious hamsters guide us through the murky world of greenwashing—the deceptive marketing tactics used by companies to appear more environmentally responsible than they actually are.

Impact Productions

In Death Is Life

A captivating short film set in rural Ireland exploring the intricate connections between people and peatlands. Through the perspectives of Bernie, Tommy, and Caitlin, the film delves into the past, present, and future of the bog, unraveling the tensions that exist within. Beyond their role as a vital carbon store, peatlands offer an opportunity to combat the climate crisis and foster resilience.

Inseparable

Immerse yourself in the captivating journey of three extraordinary Indigenous women who not only excel in their chosen sport, but also become beacons of hope, cultural preservation, and Indigenous rights advocacy. Witness the transformative power of sport as it intertwines with ancestral heritage, reminding us of the beauty and strength that lies within our diverse cultures. These are stories that will leave you inspired, uplifted, and deeply connected to the profound bond between humanity, culture, and the land we call home.

Intersections

Intersections is a film that digs into the term ‘Intersectional Environmentalism' - an inclusive version of environmentalism that advocates for both the protection of people and the planet. Through a discussion between Leah Thomas - a young activist, and Betty Reid Soskin - the US's oldest Park Ranger, the two women discuss topics that range from race, gender, history, and nature.

Last of My Kind

One hundred and sixty species have become extinct over the past decade, and the rate of loss is increasing rapidly. FaithInvest's Martin Palmer leads a service to mourn them: he believes humanity must go through a grieving process to acknowledge the harm done, before it becomes possible to reforge a deeper link to the natural world of which we are all a part. In an echo of the Christian tradition of tolling the bell for the dead, Martin rings the bell of his local Somerset church once for each lost species, to mark their passing.

Matar

Experience the powerful story of Matar, as he confronts the harsh realities of the UK's broken asylum system, and fights to rebuild his life against all odds. WaterBear Original's docu-fiction film is a must-see for anyone interested in social justice. Directed by Bafta-winner Hassan Akkad and starring Ahmed Malek (The Swimmers), this film is a powerful exposé of the UK's asylum system and the discrimination faced by those trying to rebuild their lives in England.

Moments of Calm

A collection of meditative short films. Highlighting the quietude and beauty of multiple locations around the United States.

Mother of the Sea

This short film tells the legend of The Mother of the Sea - a tale that virtually every Inuit from Greenland to the Canadian Arctic knows in some form or another. This is a "living story", it's not about the past; this story is taking place right now. Updated with plastic trash and climate change, telling this tale does more than scare children away from the dangerous ice-- it warns us all about the perils of disrespecting Mother Nature.

Not a Pet

Not A Pet looks at the illegal pet trade and the role social media plays in the parading and trading of exotic animals online.

Other Ways of Living

Through immersive storytelling and real-world insights, Other Ways of Living explores the people and ideas redefining sustainability—offering a vision for a future where nothing goes to waste. Join the journey to discover how circular thinking is shaping the world today and how we can all be part of the change.

People vs. Pipeline: The Cost of Crude Oil

In early 2021, Canadian and US land defenders and organizations successfully stopped the proposed Keystone XL pipeline. From a small group of people to forming unlikely alliances and gaining global attention, the power of the people prevailed. Many of the various threats were underpinned by water security. The increasing vulnerability of watersheds to the risk of spills brought indigenous, non-indigenous and climate organization groups to fight together for a common purpose of protecting their lands from devastating environmental destruction, creating a turning point in environmental activism history.

Play Hungry

“We are hungry” – this is what the players of the State University’s basketball team answered when they were asked by some patrons why they hadn’t bagged a championship for 36 years. The patrons, alumni of the University of the Philippines, now influential members of society, were shocked to discover the team was not winning because they were literally hungry. This jarring statement echoes Filipinos and their bizarre love for basketball – how every village has a court, yet not every village has access to food or running water.

Play On: Football's Climate Story

The world's most popular sport is under threat. Climate change is threatening to disrupt football at all levels - from grassroots right to the top tier. In Play On we see how climate change is affecting the beautiful game through two key stories from two British towns and their clubs. From the plight of a club at threat to the actions of another taking a stand, we learn that the only way football can carry on, is to come together.

ReDress the Future

ReDress the Future is a new series that explores the ideas and innovators subverting the status quo which underlies an unsustainable fashion industry. Whether it’s calling out the very notion of being “on trend”, which drives relentless consumerism, or it’s focusing in on the pioneers that are bucking the trend against outdated and unsustainable business models and manufacturing processes, this series seeks to challenge the fashion industry as we know it and give viewers a glimpse at a more circular fashion future which they never even knew was possible.

Rivers of Hope

Stories from remote areas in Bangladesh bring us close to the lives of families who are most vulnerable to climate shifts - to severe monsoon floods and to ocean cyclones. Bangladesh is a water country and life here is lived among the spaces between. Land is constantly being shifted, changed and swallowed by water. Yet water means access to livelihood and it means survival. Climate crisis is at our doorstep. These stories show the realities and hardships of climate change on communities that are at the receiving end of the crisis.

So Hot Right Now

Want to take action RIGHT NOW to tackle the climate crisis? But feeling overwhelmed? So Hot Right Now is your 4-minute ‘wisdom pill' from the best in the business of fighting the climate crisis. From climate justice to ocean activism, this series of animated short films tackles key issues and provides inspiration for personal development on climate action.

Spirit of the Forest

Spirit of the Forest is a poignant documentary that transports viewers to the heart of the Fagaras Mountains in Romania, where ancient beech forests have stood for centuries, untouched by time. This captivating film highlights the deep connection between nature and the local community, centered around the “Forest of Immortal Stories” project. Spirit of the Forest explores themes of resilience, remembrance, and environmental stewardship, shedding light on the critical need to protect endangered ecosystems while also showcasing the rich cultural narratives that these ancient trees hold.

The Art of Resilience

The Art of Resilience is a powerful three-part documentary series that captures the resilience of Latin American and Caribbean communities as they navigate global crises. Through the lens of six nations, the series highlights pressing challenges such as gender violence, water scarcity, and climate change.

The Bear Hug

We all know the world is a pretty crazy place right now. When we’re not worrying about pandemics and presidents, we’re fretting about the future of the planet. Fortunately, The Bear Hug is here to give you a break from the bad. In conservations with some of the most inspiring people on the planet, Sam will bring you a comforting dose of solutions and sustainability, as well as our top picks of documentaries to watch on WaterBear.

The Black Mermaid

The Black Mermaid follows Zandile Ndhlovu, South Africa’s first Black African freediving instructor, as she breaks barriers and reclaims the ocean for her community. Through her Black Mermaid Foundation, she challenges deep-rooted fears and historical narratives that have distanced Black communities from the sea.

The Breakdown

Hosted by Jack Harries, this series cuts through the noise to break down the most pressing environmental challenges of our time, addressing how we got here and what needs to be done to reverse the damage. Across multiple episodes, The Breakdown explores critical topics like climate misinformation, the role of fossil fuels, and the intersection of climate change with social justice.

The First Drop of Rain: Making Matar

Follow the emotional journey of Hiba Noor, a talented artist forced to flee her home country, as she navigates a new life in London while awaiting her asylum fate. Experience the raw power of art and human resilience in The First Drop of Rain: Making MATAR. This film takes you on a journey into the production of MATAR, focusing on Hiba, and the unimaginable obstacles she is having to overcome to pursue her passion.

The Mind in Focus

The Mind in Focus is a short film exploring the transformative and therapeutic power of photography as a tool for mental well-being. Through the lens of acclaimed British photographer and Nikon Ambassador Heather Agyepong, alongside creative Vanessa Anglade, the film explores how visual storytelling can foster healing, self-reflection, and community connection.

The Tale of the Heckler

It can often seem like we live in a world beset by conflict and conspiracy, a world where words of anger, outrage, and falsehood seem to carry further than words of reason and rationality. But would our world be less divided if the online world that we live so much of our lives in, wasn’t being manipulated by a few giant tech corporations? The Tale of the Heckler seeks to expose the shocking truth that the huge digital media companies who run the internet use our data and doubt against us, amplifying disinformation and driving denial and falsehoods about the world’s crises, all for the sake of profit.

The Trees of Life

Britain's iconic oak trees have a reputation for supporting biodiversity, but a changing climate is making them increasingly susceptible to threats from pests and diseases. Professor Rob Jackson a biological scientist at the University of Reading led a pioneering research project PuRpOsE: Protecting Oak Ecosystems examining these threats.

The Whale Who Saved Me

In 2017, whale biologist Nan Hauser had an extraordinary, one-of-a-kind experience. While snorkelling in the pristine waters of the Cook Islands, a Humpback Whale approached her and for 10 minutes pushed her around with its mouth and fin.

Tide to Nature

After struggling to fit in the standard educational system, 15-years old Oliver Riley decides to leave school to be homeschooled. With more time to develop his interests outside of studying, such as photography and surfing, Oli starts growing his confidence and developing a strong sense of self. As he grows older he nurtures a deeper connection with the nature surrounding his home, in the stunning coastal town of St. Ives, situated at the edge of the UK on the Atlantic Ocean. This bond empowers him to start shaping his life for the better and making positive changes to try and protect our shared home: Earth.

Together, We Dance

Together, We Dance is a story about community, identity and the power of dance to nourish the soul. Jonathon Prestney pursued their childhood passion to become a professional dancer. Their intense career enabled them to tour the world but also led to burnout. In search of respite, Jonathon returned home to Colchester just before the pandemic hit. Going home gave them the time to truly reflect on friends in the LGBTQ+ community they had lost due to suicide.

Who Cares Wins with Lily Cole

Adapted from her podcast series Who Cares Wins, activist, author and model, Lily Cole breaks down the echo chambers of modern life, exploring the nuance of debate and the power of conversation in finding our way to solutions. Lily explores the overwhelm and grief that can come with climate action. But conversely, if we truly understand the destruction that is taking place, why do we continue with business as usual?

Within the Water

Post-natal depression is increasingly understood but in a society that portrays pregnancy as an uncomplicated journey of maternal joy, prenatal depression is a taboo, and frightening. Yet it can also make a mother stronger than ever. Within the Water is a short documentary film exploring the experiences of a number of women with prenatal depression and how the ritual of cold water swimming throughout.