Cameron Mackay FRGS (He/Him), Scottish environmental filmmaker and Celtic music producer uses film, folk music, and impact planning to spark new connections between audiences and nature, as well as to showcase inclusive solutions to the climate crisis.
Cameron’s background lies in producing documentary films and folk music soundtracks alongside geographical fieldwork and leading expedition teams in locations such as the Indian Himalaya and Greenland - both independently and with organisations such as the British Exploring Society. Cameron set up an environmental impact-focused film production company in 2020, which has facilitated productions telling stories of Highlands and Islands communities’ climate action with Climate Hubs, demonstrated inclusive approaches to expeditions with Equal Adventure and created climate justice education resources with Glasgow Science Centre.
After completing postgraduate research at the Scott Polar Research Institute, Cameron has gone on to use Participatory Action Research methods with Equal Adventure through the Welcome Trust and the University of Glasgow through their Centre for Sustainable Solutions - all with the focus of embedding co-creation with communities in research and delivering creative solutions.
As a music producer, Cameron works with communities to explore how living heritage (traditional songs, tunes and stories) can be used to support the impact goals of environmental organisations. His practice as a fiddler involves writing new tunes through geographical connection with the land and performing both solo and as part of the ecological folk band 'Magalichen' and the sea shanty band 'The Sea Word' at events such as Dundee Fringe, the Oban Shanty Festival and Celtic Connections.
Also, working as an Impact Producer, Cameron is currently an Impact Lead for the National Environmental Research Council (NERC) to deliver a national impact campaign about climate change and the environment.
Cameron is most inspired by nature writer Nan Shepherd and drag queen Pattie Gonia.
Sessions at Explore Weekend
Sunday
11.30am-12.30pm: What does Exclusion Look Like?
3.30pm-4.30pm: Creating Expedition Films
