Series Classification: PG (Parental Guidance)
Genre: Documentary
A pair of banded dotterels attempt to defy the odds to raise their chicks on a surprisingly hostile New Zealand beach, as their self-appointed guardian Aisla watches on.
Film Details
Director/Co-Producer:
Since graduating from the Masters of Science communication at Otago University in 2018 Tegan has been working as a researcher on natural history documentaries in Dunedin. With a passion to tell stories about New Zealand’s incredible natural world, Tegan hopes to bring native species into the homes of kiwis.
“I loved spending the summer out on the beach with Ailsa and the Banded Dotterels. It was incredible to get to know the birds, their behaviour and their individual personalities.
Ailsa’s passion for conservation is contagious and her determination is inspiring. I’m so glad to now have her as a friend.
These birds are so hard to see out on the beach, even locals have never seen such young chicks. Nest 38 gives the opportunity to showcase these birds in a way many people would never get to see. Nest 38 isn’t just about Banded Dotterels, as this story far too common throughout Aotearoa, nature needs to be protected and we need more people like Ailsa.”
Co-Producer: Tom Neunzerling
Tom has worked in the film industry for the last 10 years within the camera department, from no-budget indie to big-budget productions. His first real foray into producing his own work since university, the web-series “Comedians Eating Plants” has been accepted into New Zealand Web Fest two years running, and also the Sydney Web Fest.
“Nest 38 was my first natural-history project. Unfortunately, the banded dotterel’s story is one that has played out already with so many birds in Aotearoa. Seeing them struggle to survive in real time was an eye-opening—a once-in-a-lifetime—experience. Now, whenever I go through, I’ll check in with my new friends. I hope we learn that every action we take has a profound effect on the world around us.”
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NZ Film Commission Photo: NZ Film Commission
Made with the support of NZ On Air Photo: NZ On Air
Photo: Te Māngai Pāho
Vista Foundation Photo: Vista Foundation
