New swift conservation film

[Justin Anderson]

Hello swift lovers.

 

I know this isn’t the normal sort of post to this group but as well as founding the South Bristol Swifts group I am a wildlife film-maker and working with a crew of volunteers, we have made this not-for-profit film to raise awareness and funds for swift conservation work.

 

I’m excited to share with you a trailer for the new film – The ‘other’ Taylor Swift which tells the story of Louise Bentley of Bolton and Bury Swifts, as she cares for up to 60 swifts, taking them under her wing. Both exhausted adults and fallen chicks are given a second chance, as they are hand fed from dawn till dusk. We follow the fortunes of ‘Babs’, ‘Winchester’ and  ‘Taylor’ as they struggle to gain the weight they need, in a race against time to be ready for their return migration to Africa. Every swift counts and for Louise, having formed such a bond with each individual bird, releasing them to the freedom of the skies is both a tender and magical moment. The film's future release will be accompanied by the launch of a website packed with swift advice and information and a swift fund to raise money for local swift conservation groups across the UK.

 

We have received support from wildlife hero Chris Packham, swift champion Hannah Bourne-Taylor and the late Jane Goodall. We have nearly finished the film but having got this far with volunteers, we need a small amount of money to help us complete the project and make sure it reaches the widest audience.

 

If you want a sneak peak of the film, check out the trailer on our Crowdfunder page – where we are hoping to raise the funds we need to finish the project. To get there, we really need some help and wondered whether you or other members of your group might be happy to make a donation. We would be so grateful for any contributions.

 

Check out our page at:

 

https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/qr/Onvrdd7n

 

And for news on the film’s release and the launch of our future website and swift conservation fund, check out our Instagram page and give us a follow: @the_other_taylor_swift.film

 

Thanks for any support you can give us.

Best wishes

 

Justin

 

Justin Anderson

Director – The ‘other’ Taylor Swift

Founder – South Bristol Swifts

Author – Super swifts. 

 

[Cally Smith Huntly & District Swift Group]

Very much looking forward to seeing the film!  Well done! 

We have a local cinema here, which also happens to be a listing building refurbishment i was part of a few years ago, working with the owners, builders and ecologist, where we reinstated all 8 swift nest sites (plus adding another 8) to save this long term colony. We also installed a webcam last year and hopefully will repeat in 2026 as last year one chick was raised successfully allowing us to share with the local community.  I wonder if it would be possible to show this film in the cinema and if possible how could we go about it?

many thanks

Cally