Surviving Alone: The Tale of Simone, 15min., UK
Directed by Claire Tomlinson
Simone is the last Greater Bamboo Lemur in Ranomafana, a protected rainforest in south-east Madagascar. After a happy start in life, surrounded by family, Simone finds herself alone, as members of her family disappear one by one. Three years on, and she’s still alone - a social animal, a primate, just like us; how has this isolation affected her mental state?

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

I had a chance encounter with the lemur featured in my film whilst trekking in the rainforest during my honeymoon in Madagascar in 2022. Upon hearing that this lemur was the last of her species in the area, I was eager to find out more about her and felt that I just had to tell her story, which serves as a poignant reminder of how the global biodiversity crisis is affecting animals on a personal level.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

Just over a year.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?

Emotional rollercoaster!

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

Rainforest conditions were challenging; not only did it often rain, but the humidity meant that cameras often steamed up on the inside, making filming impossible! We actually missed some fantastic shots because of this.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

I was delighted to see how emotional the film made people.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

After many years of being a wildlife photographer, I realised that the medium of film would allow me to tell compelling stories that could really reach people and make a difference.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?

Could be Jurassic Park or Back to the Future!

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?

It would be great to have the opportunity to attend training workshops with experts.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?

FilmFreeway is brilliant - it makes submitting to festivals so much easier.

10. What is your favorite meal?

This is a random question! I love a veggie lasagne followed by a tiramisu!

11. What is next for you? A new film?

I am already working on a new film about beavers in the UK.