We did it!
Birds Beyond Borders raised £1,135 from 27 supporters
or
Start your own crowdfunding page
Closed 31/01/2024
Iʼve raised £1,135 to cover remaining filming costs in Africa for Birds Beyond Borders
- Kenya
- Funded on Wednesday, 31st January 2024
Don't have time to donate right now?
Story
Birds Beyond Borders is a 40 minute topical science/wildlife investigation documentary. It follows conservationists from the UK and Kenya as they team up to figure out why their favourite migratory birds, house martins, are disappearing. The film uses bird migration as a vehicle to explore the effects of climate change, biodiversity loss, and our relationship with wildlife in west compared to the global south. The film will be narrated by Chris Packham and will include testimonies and master interviews from renowned experts and scientists.
Why Now?
House martins are some of the world's most enduring birds, migrating from their wintering sites in Africa to their summer nesting ranges in the Palearctic (Europe, Asia north of the Himalayas) every year.
For centuries, these birds have coexisted with us, constructing intricate mud nests on the sides of homes but In 2021 they were red-listed by both the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) and BirdLife, having declined by 65% in the past 20 years.
However, the concern isn't limited to house martins. Birds that occupy similar ecological niches, such as abundant species the barn swallows or common swift are experiencing regional declines. To many, the decline of these iconic birds serves as a dire warning, a canary in a coal mine, of impending ecological breakdown. The reasons behind these declines are not only worsening but are also inadequately studied making a film like Birds Beyond Borders crucial to the conservation of these animals.
Our Partnerships
Acknowledging the significance of these messages, we have established partnerships with key organizations, including The Essex Wildlife Trust, Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), House Martin Conservation, Wildlife Direct, and Arocha. This collaboration is aimed at ensuring that the issues presented in the film, particularly the complexities surrounding bird migration, are portrayed authentically and with meaningful depth. Furthermore, we are actively engaged in productive discussions with experts from Cornell Bird Lab and The RSPB. These conversations are intended to enhance our understanding and knowledge of the species featured in the documentary.
👥 We're currently working with a growing team of experts and filmmakers to understand and communicate issues presented by Birds Beyond Borders.
To Help Us
We are now seeking £1,000 to help us wrap up filming while we're in Africa. As we near the end of this campaign, please remember that every gesture counts. Whether you can contribute £5 or £100, your donations are invaluable. 🙏
Q&A
🏠 Is this a film about House Martins?
While not solely focused on house martins, we believe they represent many overarching issues in wildlife conservation. We also explore the impact of climate change on other migratory species like bee-eaters, swifts, and flamingos, among others.
📺 Where can I watch the film?
Currently, we plan to hold screenings in 2024 and submit the film to various film festivals. Donors will be informed of these screenings and test screenings, which they can attend for free. Once complete, the film will be screened with an impact strategy to influence policies protecting these animals and guide individuals on how they can contribute.
🗞️ How can I stay up to date?
You can follow the project on our website, or find Birds Beyond Borders on social media. Stay informed about all updates and developments through our social media accounts:
Together, we can make this a success. Thank you for your continued support and for being a pivotal part of our story! 🙏
Updates
1
- 2 years ago
Birds Beyond Borders
2 years agoHi Everyone, Thank you, we were fortunate to do some filming in Africa this year! The project is yet to be finished and we still need all the support we can get. Our goal now is to feature the Tana Delta in Kenya: 🚜 The wildlife and communities of Kenya’s Tana Delta are under threat from extractive farming, dams, and drought. 🦩 The Deltas communities hold a unique relationship with migratory birds and a deep understanding of how the wetlands operate. Any continued funds will help us to platform the above in our documentary. THANK YOU
Share this update to help us raise more
Birds Beyond Borders started crowdfunding
Leave a message of support
Supporters
27
Housemartin conservation uk & ireland
Jan 16, 2024
£100.00
Louise Bentley
Nov 25, 2023
Fantastic and much needed work. Good luck.
Duncan whitfield
Nov 24, 2023
Keep up the great work!
£50.00
Stean Anthony
Jun 19, 2023
Please expand your work using as much local talent as poss, build up trust with African film-makers, tell us the truth about the N-S migrant birds = can we save them? East and West and South please
Fiona Wallace
Apr 28, 2023
Brilliant work, well done!
£10.00
Lynn Sedgwick
Apr 27, 2023
Will be lovely to watch.
Anonymous
Mar 22, 2023
A lovely project and a connection to an area where I spent my childhood.
What is crowdfunding?
Crowdfunding is a new type of fundraising where you can raise funds for your own personal cause, even if you're not a registered nonprofit.
The page owner is responsible for the distribution of funds raised.
Great people make things happen
Do you know anyone in need or maybe want to help a local community cause?
Create you own page and donʼt let that cause go unfunded!
About Crowdfunding