Two locally produced conservation documentaries by Norfolk County filmmaker Greg McLachlan have been officially selected for the Fresh Coast Film Festival in Marquette, Michigan. Running today (Oct 16) through October 19, the festival is a major event celebrating environmental and outdoor storytelling across the Great Lakes region.
McLachlan’s production company, WorkCabin Films, earned double recognition with The Birdhouse and Saving the Night Caller — making it one of only three Canadian film teams featured at the festival, and the only double selection this year.
The Birdhouse began as a simple filming project at the Long Point Bird Observatory, but over the course of three years and several visits, it evolved into a full documentary.
McLachlan followed the dedicated researchers and volunteers and the historic research house at the tip of the peninsula.
Saving the Night Caller offers a rare nighttime look at scientists studying the Eastern Whippoorwill.
The Whippoorwill’s population is declining due to habitat and insect loss. McLachlan’s cameras bring viewers shoulder-to-shoulder with researchers as they patiently work through the night.
He says both films aim to inspire action and hope in the viewer.
McLachlan will be attending the Fresh Coast Film Festival and looks forward to watching his films with live audiences.
Both films will have their local premiere on November 15 at Birds Canada headquarters in Port Rowan, hosted in partnership with the Long Point Bird Observatory. All proceeds from the event will support bird research and conservation.
Tickets and details are available through birdscanada.org under the events section.
Written by Jeremy Hall