Anthropocene Pastoral: A Powerful Reflection on the Biodiversity Crisis
In a time when the natural world is changing faster than ever, Anthropocene Pastoral offers a moment of pause. This two-minute film, directed by Clare Celeste Börsch, brings together six female creators from different disciplines to explore the emotional impact of biodiversity loss. Released in February 2025 to coincide with the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP 16), the project blends poetry, dance, sound, and visual storytelling to capture the delicate balance between beauty and grief.
The Heart of the Film
At the center of Anthropocene Pastoral is Catherine Pierce’s poem of the same name, which speaks to the contradictions of living in a time of environmental change. Warm winter days feel comforting yet unsettling. Birds sing in February when they shouldn’t. Cherry blossoms bloom too early, signaling a shift in the rhythms of nature.
Börsch’s work turns these ideas into an immersive experience. A detailed paper installation, made of 76% muted tones and 24% vibrant hues, represents the stark reality of biodiversity loss. The artwork comes alive through projection mapping and animation by Amelie Runkel, shifting and evolving like the ecosystems it represents.
A Multisensory Experience
Movement plays a key role in the film, with Marina Duarte, a dancer with Berlin Staatsballet, embodying the weight of climate grief. Her performance adds a human element, reminding viewers that the climate crisis is not just about numbers or distant events—it is something we experience in our own bodies and lives.
The soundscape, designed by Romy Runkel, deepens the emotional impact, surrounding viewers with an atmosphere that reflects both loss and resilience. Captured through the lens of Adriana Berroteran, the project takes on a cinematic quality, layering these elements into a powerful and deeply personal visual narrative.
Holding Beauty and Loss Together
Anthropocene Pastoral asks an essential question: How do we love the natural world while mourning its decline? It acknowledges the sadness of seeing landscapes and species disappear, but it also highlights the wonder of what still remains.
“The climate crisis is not just a scientific or political problem; it’s a human one, deeply rooted in our emotions and our connection to the living world,” says Börsch. “By bringing together different creative voices, we create a space for reflection and a deeper understanding of how interconnected we all are.”
This project is a reminder that while facts and figures help us understand the crisis, art helps us feel it. And when we feel something deeply, we are more likely to act.
Watch the Film
For those who want to experience Anthropocene Pastoral, the film is available online:
🎥 Watch on Vimeo: Click here
🌿 Learn more: www.clareceleste.com/anthropocene-pastoral
At a time of uncertainty, this film serves as a powerful call to reconnect with nature—and to protect what remains.