BBFF23:The Edge of Nature

Synopsis

Kicking off the festival in spectacular style, our Opening Night proudly presents the riveting The Edge of Nature by the acclaimed Emmy-winning and Oscar-nominated director, Josh Fox (Gasland) who will join us for this World Premiere. This special night commences with a dazzling red carpet reception, paving the way for Byron’s annual ten-day celebration of cinema.

Includes glamourous red carpet party before the film with live music, luscious locally sourced catering + drinks!

Friday, 20 October | 6:30pm Arrivals | 8:00pm Film

Opening Event Tickets:

General Admission: $70
Palace Club Members: $65

During the unprecedented initial 6-8 months of the Covid pandemic, a period that scientists have since termed "The Anthropause," the world witnessed a remarkable phenomenon: industrial fossil fuel pollution dramatically decreased. For the very first time in recorded history, global emissions decreased to a level where the relentless progression of climate change came to a temporary halt.

In the heart of this global pause, Oscar-nominated, Emmy-winning filmmaker Josh Fox, (Gasland) grappling with the debilitating neurological symptoms and cognitive challenges brought on by long Covid, took a personal step back from society. He chose to isolate himself in a rustic one-room cabin, nestled deep within the verdant expanse of his cherished Pennsylvania forest, clinging to the hope that nature's embrace might offer some form of recovery.
Over the span of nine introspective months, Fox doesn't just confront the physical challenges of his health but delves deep into the historical wounds that mark both the land and his ancestry, wounds shaped by painful legacies of genocide and layers of intergenerational trauma.

His days are punctuated by interactions with the forest's resilient inhabitants: a diligent group of beavers, a protective young bear mother, the nightly serenades of howling coyotes, and the ever-present growth of invasive honeysuckle. Through this immersive journey, Fox discovers that nature, in all its complexity and wisdom, might just hold the therapeutic insights we need. And as the world reflects on the lessons from the Anthropause, there emerges a hope that we might find the keys to healing our planet and ourselves.

Internationally recognized for his leadership and advocacy against fracking and on broader climate issues, Fox has a legacy of impactful work reaching hundreds of millions globally. Gasland pulled back the curtain on the dangers of fracking, leading to an Oscar nomination, an Emmy win, and numerous other accolades. His films, which premiered on major platforms like HBO and Netflix, have not only informed but also inspired a generation to action. Beyond his directorial prowess, Fox's regular appearances on platforms such as MSNBC, FOX, CNN, and The Daily Show have further solidified his position as a pivotal voice in the ongoing environmental dialogue.