
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

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.