Loading...

2024

Nocturnes

Nocturnes immerses you in the hidden world of Eastern Himalayan moths, winning the Sundance 2024 Special Jury Award for Craft. Follow ecologists, scientist Mansi and Indigenous assistant Bicki from the Bugun community, as they study Hawk moths, revealing their mysteries through stunning cinematography and soundscapes. This documentary raises vital questions about global warming and biodiversity.

Director

Anirban Dutta
Anupama Srinivasan

Runtime

83 Minutes

Country

India, United States

Classification

All Ages

Discover the mesmerising world of Himalayan moths in Sundance winner Nocturnes.

Nocturnes transports you to the hidden world of moths in the Eastern Himalayas, deservedly winning the Sundance 2024 World Cinema Documentary Special Jury Award for Craft.

Join ecologists, scientist Mansi and Indigenous assistant Bicki from the Bugun community as they delve into the nocturnal lives of Hawk moths. To study these elusive creatures, they adopt a nocturnal lifestyle, living away from their families for extended periods. With over 150,000 moth species and so much yet to be discovered, their focus on Hawk moths aims to unravel the mysteries behind their diverse forms, colours, and behaviours.

The film captivates with stunning cinematography, showcasing not only the moths but also the breathtaking Eastern Himalayan landscape. The intricate soundscape further immerses viewers into this otherworldly environment, making every flutter and whisper of the night come alive.

Nocturnes is an unforgettable, immersive experience that educates about the world of moths while raising critical questions about global warming and the future of our planet's biodiversity. This beautifully crafted documentary is a must-see, offering both visual splendour and thought-provoking insights. Through the eyes of Mansi and Bicki, we gain a profound appreciation for these tiny creatures and the delicate balance of our natural world.

“Put it this way: If audiences don’t walk out of Nocturnes immediately googling ‘hawk moths’ they’ve simply been too temporarily dazzled to re-enter a world of fast-paced technology. That’s a good thing.”

IndieWire

“A hypnotic documentary about moths unfolds to reveal climate change concerns as well ... a documentary that is immediately, powerfully, and above all cinematically convincing.”

Variety

“Nocturnes, an insightful documentary that hopes to whisper the poetry of such creatures to its audience, is an educational and compelling look at these curious insects.”

Film Inquiry

Special Jury Award for Craft – Sundance, Hot Docs, Sydney
logo

Film Credits

Director

Anirban Dutta & Anupama Srinivasan

Year

2024

Country

India & United States

Language

HindiEnglish & Bugun

Subtitles

English

Type

Documentary & Feature

Program Strand

Country Spotlight India & World Documentary

Producer

Anirban Dutta

Writer

Anirban Dutta & Anupama Srinivasan

Cinematographer

Satya Rai Nagpaul ISC

Editor

Yaël Bitton & Anupama Srinivasan

Music

Nainita Desai

Film Source

Dogwoof

Genre

DocumentaryEducational & Environmental

Purchase Tickets

More to see...

Future Council

Future Council

Filmmaker Damon Gameau (That Sugar Film) takes eight kids on the ultimate road trip across Europe to seek solutions to our greatest ecological challenges. Through heartfelt discussions about eco-anxiety, conversations with CEOs of multinational companies, and playful interactions with nature, both the kids and Damon learn from and inspire one another.

Second Chance

Second Chance

Heartbroken and scared, Nia retreats to her family’s summer home in the Himalayas after experiencing the first major trauma of her young life. Amidst the snow-covered mountains, with little phone reception, she turns to the company of the caretaker’s mother-in-law, Bhemi, and her grandson, Sunny. With time, the inescapable ruggedness of nature, and unlikely friendships, Nia begins to heal.
Sasquatch Sunset

Sasquatch Sunset

Featuring Jesse Eisenberg and Riley Keough as you’ve never seen them - that is, in elaborate bigfoot character makeup - Sasquatch Sunset provides an unhurried, observational portrait of a year in the life of a sasquatch family, deep in the woods of California.
Flow

Flow

After winning four awards at Annecy, Flow solidified Gints Zilbalodis as a visionary in animation. This visually stunning and emotionally resonant film follows a cat and other animals navigating survival on a boat post-flood, offering a cinematic experience that will captivate both adults and children alike.