International expert to speak at Guernsey film premiere celebrating island pollinators
- Dr Erica McAlister from Natural History Museum to speak at Guernsey film premiere on 18-19 April
- Local film "Pollinators Great and Small" explores island's pollinating insects from bees to moths
- Three showings planned including free family matinée, with tickets from £7.50
- All attendees entered into prize draw for London trip to Natural History Museum
An international expert from the Natural History Museum will visit Guernsey to speak at the premiere of a locally-made film celebrating the island's pollinators.
Dr Erica McAlister, senior curator at the Natural History Museum in London, will present at "The Bees and Beyond" weekend alongside the premiere of "Pollinators Great and Small" on 18-19 April.
The film was shot, produced and directed locally by Wild Islands in Guernsey and Sark, marking their second local production after "The Blue". It explores the world of pollinating insects, from tiny furrow bees emerging in spring to hoverflies drifting across hedgerows and moths working the night shift.
Narrated by Dr Miranda Bane from the Pollinator Project and Liz Sweet, The Guernsey Scientist, the film tells the story of a special bee whilst exploring the hidden world of pollinating insects and their importance to the islands.
"This film was an absolute joy to make with some true David Attenborough moments," said Liz Sweet. "We held our breath watching bee wolves stalk their unsuspecting prey like lions in Africa. Have you ever seen a pantaloon bee? Or an Orange-tip butterfly? You'll be astounded at the sheer variety of insect species supported by our tiny islands and how much we rely on them."
Dr McAlister, known as "Flygirl", is a world expert who has featured on broadcasts including The Life Scientific and The Infinite Monkey Cage, discussing her research across Costa Rica, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and Peru. At the Guernsey event, she will reveal the vital role of flies in the island's pollination.
"We're very excited to have Erica visit, she's a natural storyteller and while we often think of flies as a nuisance, by the time she's talked about chocolate flies, bee flies, and maybe even forensic and scuba flies you'll have a very different idea," said Miranda Bane.
Three showings are scheduled: Saturday 18 April 7-9pm, Sunday 7-9pm, plus a free family matinée on Sunday 2-4pm. Evening show tickets cost £10 for adults and £7.50 for children and students, available through the Princess Royal Performing Arts Centre.
All attendees will be entered into a prize draw to win a trip for two to London, including flights and an overnight stay to visit the Natural History Museum. The event is sponsored by Rothschild & Co Foundation.
"We really want to give everyone the chance to learn more about our natural history and thanks to Rothschild & Co Foundation who are sponsoring the event everyone that attends will be entered into a free prize draw to win 2 flights and an overnight stay in London so they can visit the Natural History Museum," added Miranda Bane.
Linda Boucher-Harris, Director at Rothschild & Co, said: "We are thrilled to support the Pollinator Project for a second year which includes our sponsorship of the premiere of this community film. This film highlights the vital role our pollinator friends play in our environment and helps inspire the next generation to understand and protect them."
The Pollinator Project is a registered Guernsey charity founded in 2017, dedicated to protecting the Bailiwick's pollinators through science projects, educational work and practical assistance for creating "Pollinator Patches" across the island.
Wild Islands is a collective of filmmakers and conservationists telling stories about wildlife on islands, seeking to foster understanding of connections with nature and promote sustainable practices for island ecosystem preservation.
Q&A
Q: When and where is the film premiere taking place?
A: The premiere is on 18-19 April at the Princess Royal Performing Arts Centre, with evening shows at 7-9pm both days and a free family matinée on Sunday 2-4pm.
Q: Who is Dr Erica McAlister and why is she visiting?
A: Dr Erica McAlister is a senior curator at the Natural History Museum in London and an expert in flies. Known as 'Flygirl', she will present about the vital role of flies in Guernsey's pollination.
Q: What prize can attendees win?
A: All attendees will be entered into a prize draw to win a trip for two to London, including flights and an overnight stay to visit the Natural History Museum.
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