Our summer film night returns with three important short films, including a world premiere, illuminating the work of conservationists today and the diverse stories behind their efforts.
Join us in the Ondaatje Theatre, in our Map Room Bar and out on the sun terrace once again for a summer’s evening of film and filmmaking, conversation and debate.
From unexpected arrivals in Somerset and the preservation of the past in Antarctica, to an international expedition into the uncharted, otherworldly waters of Tenerife — these films are all on a mission, to save habitats, unique heritage and even discover new species, unseen until now.
Our programme’s theme is ‘conservation in action’, at a time when every conversation about conservation takes place in an alarmingly and rapidly changing climate. Caring about our environment can sometimes feel like a hopeless race against the clock, but each of our films is, we hope, an antidote to anxiety.
In the words of one of the scientists featured in our films: ‘We can’t protect what we don’t know’.
The evening will be hosted by National Geographic Explorer, conservationist, biologist and broadcaster, Niall McCann. Each film screening will be followed by a Q&A, concluding with a panel discussion with all the filmmakers.
Timings
- Doors and Map Room Bar open: 6.00pm
- Screenings begin: 7.00pm
- Screenings end: 9.00pm
- The Map Room Bar reopens after the screenings for continuing your conversations into the evening.
About the films
BLAIKLOCK: THE REFUGE IN NEED OF RESCUE
In this rare glimpse into a season of conservation with UK Antarctic Heritage Trust, we follow a team of specialists as they journey to remote Blaiklock Island on the Antarctic Peninsula.
Here, they undertake a mission to save this remarkable historic refuge as it battles a changing climate in an environment of extremes. Blaiklock tells a unique and vivid story of life, survival and scientific discovery in one of the most inhospitable places on Earth.
Trace of Salt
In Tenerife, a group of local scientists joins an international mission to dive into uncharted waters. With a refurbished submarine, technical divers, and decades of experience, they search for species the world has never seen. Along the way, the film uncovers surprising connections between these hidden creatures and our own lives.
Through their stories, Trace of Salt shows the excitement and struggles of discovery. Science appears not as something distant, but as a human journey—driven by risk, curiosity, and wonder. Each new creature is a reminder of how little we know about the seas that sustain us.
Heal The Land
Filmed exclusively on site at Heal Somerset, this documentary explores how Heal Rewilding is embarking on an ambitious mission to transform a former, unproductive livestock farm into a resilient haven for wildlife recovery.
With England languishing in the bottom 3% of the most nature-depleted countries on Earth, the challenge to restore its biodiversity and kickstart nature recovery has never been more urgent. This film offers hope for the positive change the rewilding movement can bring.
Booking information
- Advance booking for this event is required. In order to book you will need an account on our website. If you already have an account you will be prompted to log in when you click 'book now'. Please create an account if you do not have one yet (you do not need to be a member of the Society to create an account).
- Tickets are £12, and £10 for Society members.
- We do not issue tickets (electronic or physical) for this event. Instead your name will be on a list at the door. Please use the Society's entrance on Exhibition Road.
If you have any questions or require assistance with your booking, please email events@rgs.org
Venue information
This event will be held in the Ondaatje Lecture Theatre at Royal Geographical Society (with IBG), 1 Kensington Gore, London, SW7 2AR.
Plan your visit to the Society and find more information about our venue, including our address, accessibility and transport links.
Accessibility at our events
We want everyone to feel welcome at our events. Key accessibility features of this event include:
- Step-free access to the event
- Accessible toilets
- Assistance dogs are welcome
- Hearing loop
For full details, please visit our accessibility page. If you have any questions or specific access requirements, feel free to get in touch with us on access@rgs.org
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