May 1st, 2015 – Montreal – National Film Board of Canada
Human civilization is changing the biosphere of the planet on an unprecedented scale, causing species extinction and climate change. How will humanity, in turn, be transformed by the crisis we have created?
That's the profound question at the heart of the upcoming Canadian feature documentary Metamorphosis, co-produced by Chrysalis Pictures, Clique Pictures and the National Film Board of Canada (NFB), and starting production May 8 in Vanuatu in the wake of Cyclone Pam, the worst climate disaster to ever hit the South Pacific country.
Written and directed by award-winning filmmakers Nova Ami and Velcrow Ripper, known for their films addressing issues of global concern, Metamorphosis will be a searing cinematic vision quest that explores ecological transformation in a time of planetary emergency.
The starting point for the film isn't just about stopping the change. Ripper and Ami will explore how humanity will have to adapt, offering examples of societies that are already facing catastrophic ecological collapse. How will we learn to live in symbiosis with a changing planet?
Weaving together visual metaphors with human and environmental stories of climate change, Metamorphosis will take audiences on an interesting and sometimes terrifying journey. It will invite us to acknowledge our place in our living system and find ways to mitigate climate change as much as possible while we still can.
The intent of the film is to create a new narrative around climate change―not about blame or denial, but about resilience, transformation and action.
Shot entirely in 4K, including aerial drone photography, Metamorphosis will begin principal photography in Vanuatu. Filming will continue through the rest of 2015, in locations around the world including Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Alberta's Badlands, Japan, the Canary Islands, California, and in Mexico at the Monarch Biosphere Reserve in Michoacán.
People can follow and interact with the Metamorphosis production team on its global odyssey via Facebook―with the film's launch scheduled for the fall of 2016.
Metamorphosis is being produced by Nova Ami and Velcrow Ripper (Chrysalis Pictures), Lauren Grant (Clique Pictures) and Bonnie Thompson and David Christensen (NFB North West Centre). Metamorphosis is Ripper's third film with the NFB.
“As human beings who are part of an unprecedented planetary crisis, we feel compelled to address what is happening through the power of storytelling. Our vision is to create a work of cinematic art that is both a reflection of the times, and a catalyst for transformation.”
Nova Ami and Velcrow Ripper, filmmakers
“As a public producer, we're happy to be involved in making this provocative film, one that will challenge the way we think about climate change. We know our experienced team will create a visually compelling and innovative film.”
David Christensen, NFB producer and executive producer
Online screening room: NFB.ca
Facebook: facebook.com/nfb.ca
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Jennifer Mair
NFB Publicist
Tel.: 416-954-2045
Cell: 416-436-0105
E-mail: j.mair@nfb.ca
Twitter: @NFB_Jennifer
Lily Robert
Director, Communications, Marketing and Public Affairs
Tel.: 514-283-3838
Cell: 514-296-8261
E-mail: l.robert@nfb.ca
The National Film Board of Canada (NFB) creates groundbreaking interactive works, social-issue documentaries and auteur animation. The NFB has produced over 13,000 productions and won over 5,000 awards, including 14 Canadian Screen Awards, 11 Webbys, 12 Oscars and more than 90 Genies. To access acclaimed NFB content, visit NFB.ca or download its apps for smartphones, tablets and connected TV.
Chrysalis Pictures creates cinematic feature documentaries that explore the leading issues of our times. We produce films that entertain, enlighten and offer transformative perspectives on the world we live in through innovative methods of storytelling. We specialize in flagship films that galvanize audiences.
Clique Pictures is a Toronto-based film and television company focused on working with female creative talent both in front of and behind the camera. Named one of the Hollywood Reporter's Next Gen Canada 15 Hottest Talents Under 35 in 2014, Producer Lauren Grant has worked on films such as Wet Bum (TIFF 2014), Traceable (MTV, pivot), Picture Day (TIFF 2012), Frost (TIFF 2012) and the Genie Award-winning short Savage. Lauren is a Trans Atlantic Partners producer alumnus, a member of the Canadian Media Producers' Association, and has been selected to the Bell Media Producer Accelerator Lab. www.clique-pictures.com
