This event is part of the New Zealand International Science Festival's 2022 NanoFest. For more details and a full programme, visit scifest.org.nz/programme.

Join five fabulous filmmakers from the University of Otago’s Department of Science Communication for a “wild” afternoon of short science and nature films, followed by Q&A with the filmmakers. The line-up includes:

Kauri K9s

Filmmaker: Wen Qing Ng

Kauri K9s goes behind the scenes with Pip and Mawhai, two canines-in-training to detect a deadly disease killing off Aotearoa’s majestic forest giants -- Kauri trees. If successful, these pups will be the first conservation heroes of their kind, earning their stripes as specialist Kauri dieback sniffer dogs.

Rhapsody for a Rock Wren

Filmmaker: Lauren Schaer

Set in the rugged wilds of New Zealand, Rhapsody for a Rock Wren is a filmmaker’s personal exploration of the human-nature connection through her relationship with a tiny alpine bird. This award-winning, beautifully-crafted film takes an honest look at the different and sometimes conflicting ways we relate to the more-than-human world.

Loco

Filmmaker: William Bowden

Loco is the story of AgLoco®, a Canterbury based start-up that is vying to bring solid-biofuel powered advanced steam tractors back to the farm and take the diesel out of food. Their tractor could play a vital role in feeding the world beyond fossil fuels.

Keeping up with the Kākā

Filmmaker: Amanda Konyn

Keeping up with the Kākā follows the trials and tribulations of Orokonui’s Kākā population. The film highlights the effort involved in rare species conservation and celebrates the return of the rare and charismatic parrot to a land from which it had been lost for over 100 years.

Plight of the Gulls

Filmmaker: Aimee Clark

In February 2021, a violent crime took place at the Royal Albatross Centre. One which highlights the attitudes people have towards one of our most under-appreciated native species. Plight of the Gulls explores the value and struggle of an often-overlooked little seabird and showcases the people dedicated to their protection.