Super 8 Cameras Capture Collective Ode to Nature Across Continents
By Editor • September 3, 2026 • 1 min read
In a remarkable fusion of creativity and nostalgia, director Ed Sayers has orchestrated a captivating project, "Super Nature," which unites 40 filmmakers from 25 countries using the beloved Super 8 camera. This initiative showcases a collective tribute to our planet, steering away from conventional documentary filmmaking.
Founded in 1965 by Kodak, the Super 8 format has always been accessible to amateurs and enthusiasts, renowned for its distinct grainy aesthetic. Sayers, who heads the annual straight 8 competition, embraced this democratic spirit by inviting filmmakers—many inexperienced with Super 8—to participate. He ensured they felt liberated in their storytelling, providing cameras and remote guidance via video calls.
The film intricately weaves together personal narratives from various locales, featuring contributions from celebrated photographers like Gideon Mendel and Ami Vitale, alongside indigenous communities such as the Enawene Nawe tribe in Brazil. Each filmmaker was encouraged to capture intimate moments, resulting in a rich tapestry of experiences.
Sayers emphasizes the challenge of unifying these diverse segments into a coherent narrative. "It was important that as an ensemble the stories came across as more than the sum of their parts," he explains. The final product is a singular immersive experience, blending environmental visuals with the personal insights of its creators, narrated in multiple languages.
As digital technology continues to dominate, Sayers finds a profound value in the intentionality of analog filmmaking. The constraints of Super 8—limited film length and the cost of each roll—demand careful observation and timing, leading to a deeper connection with the subjects. This sentiment is echoed in the film's trailer, where one participant notes, "It resets something in your brain. You feel part of things again." Released by BFI Distribution, "Super Nature" is currently screening in the U.K. and Ireland.
Source: www.thisiscolossal.com
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