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SCREENING SELECTION 2021

THE ICELAND PUFFIN PATROL

Nominated for Best Short Documentary

Information

Year: 2019

Country: Iceland

Duration: 18'

Language: English, Icelandic

Director: Sebastian Ziegler

Producer: Sebastian Ziegler

Cast: Erupur Snær Hansen, Karen Velas

Editor: Halle Johns

Animation: Tela Moss

The Iceland Puffin Patrol.jpg

Why are young Icelanders seeking out and rescuing fledgling Atlantic puffins hidden in the industrial outskirts of town? And why has the population of Atlantic puffins found on Iceland’s Westman Islands – one of the biggest in the world – become extremely volatile lately? Puffin chicks, called pufflings, have low body weights and a decreasing rate of survival. Why are they vulnerable? Hunters are still killing the birds, and restaurants are still serving them to tourists. Here, we meet seabird ecologist Erpur Snær Hansen and biologist Karen Velas whose field research and community programs are crucial for the species survival. A film full of urgency and unexpected allies joining the midnight fight for the future of the puffins.

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