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Urban Persistence

Deep within Vienna’s Central Cemetery, an unlikely survivor thrives. The European hamster. Between gravestones and meadows, a male embarks on a journey of instinct and perseverance. With the mating season around the corner, he must be in peak condition. But in this urban landscape, survival isn’t about evading predators. It’s about overcoming unexpected obstacles, from territorial rivals to the unforgiving elements.

Urban Persistence captures the delicate balance between life and death in an unusual setting, following a hamster’s relentless pursuit to ensure the next generation endures.

  • Jura Bakx
    Director & producer
  • Jake Willers
    Narration
    (Re)Connecting Wild
  • Giovanni de Deugd
    Color grade
  • Mark Blom
    Sound design & final mix
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Genres:
    Natural history, Environmental, Short, Nature
  • Runtime:
    8 minutes 10 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    December 20, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    1,000 EUR
  • Country of Origin:
    Netherlands
  • Country of Filming:
    Austria
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital, 4K
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography

Jura Bakx is a wildlife filmmaker based in the Netherlands, with a diverse background in both corporate film production and wildlife. Her experience ranges from capturing footage in remote wildernesses to exploring the unique interactions between humans and animals in urban environments. Driven by a passion to tell untold, impactful stories, she focuses on stories where nature and humanity intertwine.

Skilled in drone operation, gimbal work, and long-lens shooting, Jura brings creative ideas to each project and commits fully to making challenging concepts come to life. With extensive experience in the editing room, she aims to shape each story to resonate deeply and inspire.

Currently self-funding documentary projects, Jura is working toward a full-time career as an independent wildlife filmmaker. Recent work includes a documentary exploring the effects of anthropogenic noise on animals, highlighting how species adapt to survive in an increasingly noisy world.

With a deep respect for nature and a drive to share its wonders, Jura aims to inspire audiences and contribute to meaningful conservation storytelling.

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Director Statement

When I discovered these tiny creatures, European hamsters, were thriving in such an unusual place, I knew this story was worth telling. The natural world is full of hidden wonders, and I wanted to bring this one to light, giving people a chance to see what they might otherwise overlook.

As my first film, this project was a journey of discovery, not just for the audience but for me as a filmmaker. I made the creative choice to film everything at eye level, immersing viewers in the perspective of these small yet remarkable beings. By doing so, I hope to inspire a deeper appreciation for the life that exists all around us, even in the most unexpected places.

This film became the foundation of my storytelling approach. The lessons I learned, technically, creatively, and narratively, shaped my second film, Geruisloos, where I refined my style and deepened my exploration of the connection between humans and wildlife.

I believe that through film, we can create moments of awareness and wonder. I hope this documentary helps people pause, look closer, and rediscover the magic of the world around them.