ANTHROPOCENE: The Human Epoch

+ pre-recorded intro by Professor Colin Waters, Chair of the Anthropocene Working Group

The cost of humanity’s existence upon this planet is brought into stark relief by this charged and disturbing documentary.

This work contains flashing images which may affect viewers who are susceptible to photosensitive epilepsy.

  • Director

    Jennifer Baichwal, Nicholas de Pencier, Edward Burtynsky

  • Canada 2018. 87min

  • Digital 4K

  • Certificate

    12A

  • Some English subtitles

Alicia Vikander narrates this striking film, adding words to images that reveal the dramatic impact of human activity around our planet. Occupying the intersection between art and science, the film is divided into chapters that meditate on human activity and its consequences, noting the cost to us and our environment. Taking in 20 countries, across six continents, ANTHROPOCENE highlights the precariousness of existence as we know it. Following the screening, filmmakers Jennifer Baichwal, Nicholas de Pencier and Edward Burtynsky, plus other speakers to be announced, will further explore this critical moment in our planet’s history and how the medium that records this change can play a role in the sustainability movement.

See ANTHROPOCENE: The Human Epoch with a panel discussion on Friday 16 February.

BFI Film Academy Recommends

BFI Film Academy Recommends highlights films and events for young people aged 16 to 25, picked by the BFI Film Academy Young Programmers.

Beginning and ending in flames, this reflective documentary provides a valuable perspective on the relationship between humanity and nature. While the filmmakers craft a uniquely haunting tone that edges towards the surreal, the message remains clear, and more relevant now than ever. You can watch Anthropocene: The Human Epoch on the UK’s largest screen, at BFI IMAX, as it opens the BFI Future Film Festival 2024.

Young Programmer, Bethan Celeste Davies