Experiencing Interruptions?

The Circle of Life

In Singapore the Oriental Pied Hornbill is so widespread, that it is hard to believe they only recolonised this tiny island city state recently. The popular hornbill is well adapted to the urban environment. Yet, the increasing reports of their nest predation behaviour are shifting the public perception of this urban icon.

The urban predator paradox suggests that nesting closer to human habitation reduces the risk of nest predation. However, two birds’ nests were mysteriously preyed on from the balcony of wildlife photographer and filmmaker, Tim Plowden.

When an oriole nested in a tree at the back of his apartment, he set up a hide in his store room to document their breeding cycle. He was also hoping to unravel the mystery behind the nest predation.

  • Tim Plowden
    Director
    The Return of the Salmon, Red-shanked Douc - Primates On The Edge, Helmeted Hornbill
  • Tim Plowden
    Writer
    The Return of the Salmon, Red-shanked Douc - Primates On The Edge, Helmeted Hornbill
  • Reehana Shihab
    Writer
    Red-shanked Douc - Primates On The Edge,
  • Tim Plowden
    Producer
    The Return of the Salmon, Red-shanked Douc - Primates On The Edge, Helmeted Hornbill
  • Ian Russell
    Key Cast
    "Narrator"
    Red-shanked Douc - Primates On The Edge, Helmeted Hornbill
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short
  • Genres:
    Nature, Wildlife, Environment, Wildlife Conservation, Eco
  • Runtime:
    13 minutes 25 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    June 29, 2021
  • Country of Origin:
    Singapore
  • Country of Filming:
    Singapore
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • IndieFEST Film Awards 2021
    San Diego, California
    United States
    August 9, 2021
    Award of Merit - Nature / Environment / Wildlife
  • Nature Without Borders International Film Festival
    Nassau, Delaware
    United States
    January 9, 2022
    Exceptional Merit Award
  • Druk International Film Festival
    Paro
    Bhutan
    August 20, 2021
    Asian Premiere
    Outstanding Achievement Award - Nature / Environment / Wildlife
  • Wolves Independent International Film Festival
    Saldutiškis, Utena
    Lithuania
    August 27, 2021
    Europe Premiere
    Official Selection
  • Wildlife Conservation Film Festival
    New York
    United States
    October 14, 2021
    North America Premiere
    Official Selection
  • S.O.F.A Film Festival (Animals, Wildlife, Environment, Conservation)

    Cyprus
    October 3, 2021
    Official Selection
  • 14th International Kuala Lumpur Eco Film Fest 2021
    Kuala Lumpur
    Malaysia
    November 24, 2021
    Southeast Asia Premiere
    Official Selection
  • Ireland Wildlife Film Festival

    Ireland
    November 10, 2021
    Ireland Premiere
    Official Selection
  • High Tatras Film & Video Festival
    Dolný Smokovec Vysoké Tatry
    Slovakia
    September 24, 2021
    Slovakia Premiere
    Honourable Mention - Best Environmental Film
  • FLICKFAIR Film Festival
    Los Angeles, California
    United States
    October 1, 2021
    Official Selection
  • Green Film Festival of San Francisco
    San Francisco, California
    United States
    April 14, 2022
    Official Selection
  • NATURE & TOURISM FILM FESTIVAL (NTFF) NATOURALE
    Wiesbaden
    Germany
    December 1, 2022
    Official Selection
Distribution Information
  • Tim Plowden
    Country: Singapore
Director Biography - Tim Plowden

Award-winning photographer and filmmaker Tim Plowden focuses on wildlife conservation issues in Southeast Asia. Tim works with conservation NGOs and media outlets to raise awareness on conservation issues, such as illegal trade, for a range of endangered species.

He is contributing author to "Nest predation by Oriental Pied Hornbills Anthracoceros albirostris in urban Singapore" published in BirdingASIA (June 2021).

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

I endeavour to create thought-provoking stories that reveal underlying wildlife conservation issues in an aesthetic way. I believe I can most effectively contribute to wildlife conservation by creating content that will evoke a positive emotional response from the viewer.