WE ARE THE BRIDGE
Client: IUCN Oceania
Nature Conservation in the Pacific
I directed a documentary on nature conservation in the Pacific for IUCN Oceania, capturing a learning exchange in Auckland, New Zealand, where more than 40 practitioners from across the region gathered to explore themes such as nature-based solutions, Indigenous knowledge systems, and inclusivity in conservation.
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Brief
IUCN Oceania commissioned me to direct a documentary during the Intra-Pacific Learning Exchange held in Auckland, New Zealand, in August 2025, which brought together over 40 nature conservation practitioners from across the Pacific. The film captures the event through the lens of cross-regional exchange, exploring themes such as nature-based solutions, Indigenous knowledge systems, and inclusivity in conservation, while situating the Auckland gathering within the broader context of the BIOPAMA Programme—12 years of support for protected area managers and leaders, culminating in this landmark event.
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Filmmaking Strategy
To meet this brief, I adopted for a hybrid strategy: filming interviews to make sure to get the messages delivered as well as looking at cinéma vérité sequences as much as possible to bring an organic feel to the film with powerful scenes that embody the film’s messages. In the meantime, I made some participants emerge from the rest of the group to create some recurring protagonists on screen and create more empathy with the audience.
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Distribution
The film premiered at the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi on October 12, 2025. It will subsequently be presented at in-person screenings across the Pacific before its public release by IUCN.
Behind the scenes
The shoot combined indoor workshop sequences, where I sought to bring a creative approach to avoid the monotony of a closed setting, with outdoor site-based learning visits around Auckland, New Zealand. Outdoors, I took advantage of the natural light and open air to capture organic, compelling scenes with the participants, enriching the film’s messages.
