Nature – The Call for Reconciliation, the latest documentary from acclaimed French filmmaker and activist Yann Arthus-Bertrand, has been sold to ZDF for Germany and Ceska TV for the Czech Republic. The broadcasting deals were revealed exclusively to Variety by global distributor Federation International as 150 international buyers attended this week’s Unifrance Rendez-Vous in Le Havre.
The documentary, which is available as a two-part 52-minute series and a 105-minute film, was originally commissioned by French broadcaster M6 and produced by Arthus-Bertrand‘s own outfit, Hope Productions. The film serves as the aerial photographer’s third large-scale cinematic work focused on the planet, following Home and Legacy. The latter won the prestigious Unifrance Export Award in 2022 and was sold in more than 70 territories.
Arthus-Bertrand describes Nature – The Call for Reconciliation as his ‘most personal and challenging film to date’. The documentary uses powerful visuals and a poetic narrative to trace the history of life and explore the paradoxes of the modern world. The film carries a strong message of hope in people’s ability to reconcile with nature, despite the filmmaker’s own concerns about the state of the planet.
Speaking on the challenges of conveying his message, Arthus-Bertrand said: ‘I think we’re losing the fight against climate change today. I see every day how complicated it is to do without fossil fuels in our lives. We live in a world where oil is everywhere, and growth is essential to keep the world going as it is. So, being heard and offering a reflection on this is challenging because, humbly-speaking, I don’t have the solution’.
According to Ilan Sarfati, head of documentaries at Federation International, the film’s screening at the Rendez-Vous is a key part of its global sales strategy. Sarfati noted that while the current market is challenging for climate-focused factual programs, Arthus-Bertrand’s reputation and the film’s visual and poetic approach give it strong appeal.
‘Having the opportunity to screen the first part of the completed film in Le Havre is a privilege’, said Sarfati. ‘Our sales strategy was to push for big pre-buys, using rough cut clips. Now we’re screening the film with subtitles here, before delivering an English-language version around Mipcom’.
