Film Reviews

https://dmovies.org/2025/06/27/the-red-list/

"We Need Your Help"

Narrated by Iolo Williams.

The wild landscapes of Wales stand as silent witnesses to an unfolding ecological emergency: over a sixth of the Wales’ native plants face extinction, many teetering on the brink. The work of botanist, Dr. Kevin McGinn, and his determined colleagues offers a vital safety net to help ensure their survival.

"The Red List" chronicles Kevin’s year-long quest to collect seeds from 25 endangered species in a desperate race against time. Set against the backdrop of the hottest year on record, the film reveals the immense challenges he faces: navigating bureaucratic red tape, battling the relentless impacts of climate change, and enduring the personal losses of key team members. With every seed collected, Kevin and his team carry the fragile hope of safeguarding Wales’ biodiversity for generations to come.

Told with urgency and heart, "The Red List" is an unflinching exploration of the hidden struggles of conservation in a time of crisis and a powerful reminder that even the smallest efforts can help shape a more resilient future.

Support “The Red List” – A Vital Welsh Conservation Film

Filmmaker Ross Pierson spent nearly a year documenting the remarkable, largely unseen work of scientists and horticulturists at the National Botanic Garden of Wales.

With unprecedented access, Ross captured the hidden world of Welsh conservation - an urgent story of resilience, hope, and survival. Now, we need your help to share it with the world.

This crowdfunding campaign, proudly supported by the National Botanic Garden of Wales, will cover the final completion costs of this important and timely documentary. While many individuals and organisations have generously given their time and expertise for free, even low-budget films are expensive to finish.

The Red List is more than a film, it’s a call to action to put Welsh conservation on the map. By supporting us, you become part of the journey, the crew, and the legacy of protecting our natural heritage.

Help us tell this story.... Help us give these endangered species a fighting chance.

Thank You for Supporting The Red List

We’re incredibly grateful for your support and we want to say thank you!

On the right side of this page, you’ll find a selection of rewards to choose from. Or, if you prefer, you can simply make a donation with no reward attached.

Our most exciting reward is an exclusive invitation to the National Botanic Garden of Wales for a special screening of The Red List. After the film, join filmmaker Ross Pierson, lead botanist Dr. Kevin McGinn, and other core contributors for a live Q&A session, hosted by the Garden’s Director, Dr. Lucy Sutherland.

This is your chance to be part of the conversation and the conservation.

Film Screening at the National Botanic Garden of Wales

As part of the Garden’s 25th anniversary celebrations, one of the most meaningful ways to support The Red List is to join us for an exclusive screening at the National Botanic Garden of Wales, the very location where much of the documentary was filmed.

You’ll be among the first members of the public (outside of film festival audiences) to see the film in its natural setting.

📅 Date: Friday, 25th July 2025
🎬 Screenings: 4:00 PM & 6:00 PM
📍 Venue: Theatre Botanica, National Botanic Garden of Wales, SA32 8HN

Each screening will begin with a beautiful live harp performance by renowned Welsh harpist Elin Lloyd. The film will start promptly at 4:00 PM or 6:00 PM depending on your session, followed by a 30-minute Q&A session with filmmaker Ross Pierson and botanist Dr. Kevin McGinn, hosted by Dr. Lucy Sutherland, Director of the National Botanic Garden.

Come support the film, celebrate Welsh conservation, and be part of a very special day.

Vist Elin's homepage to learn more about www.elinlloyd.com

What Do We Need Funding For?

The funding raised through this campaign will cover the deferred costs of pre-production, production, post-production, and marketing all crucial steps to ensure The Red List reaches a wide audience through industry distribution and release.

We’ve broken down the funding needs into the following categories:

• Crew Costs

• Pre-Production Costs

• Production Costs

• Post-Production Costs

• Equipment Hire

• Film Festivals & Marketing

The Red List was filmed on a micro-budget without compromising on storytelling integrity, cinematic vision, or production quality. This was made possible by a small but deeply committed crew, who worked tirelessly within limited resources, and by the generosity of many talented individuals and organisations who waived their fees to support the project’s success.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the National Botanic Garden of Wales along with Kew Gardens and the many location owners who gave their support.

Your contribution now will ensure this important story about Welsh conservation reaches the audience it deserves.

FAQs

When will the film be completed and released?
Production began in 2022, and post-production is expected to finish in early 2025. The documentary will be completed in 2025 and submitted to film festivals, followed by an exclusive screening at the National Botanic Garden of Wales. If you’ve purchased a ticket to the online screening, we’ll email you the date as soon as it’s confirmed.

What will happen to the film once it’s finished?
Like all micro-budget productions, promotion and distribution are key challenges. Once The Red List completes its festival run, we’ll seek a distribution deal with a terrestrial or online broadcasting platform to help it reach the widest possible audience.

How can I help promote the crowdfunding campaign?
If you care about environmental and conservation issues, we’d love your help spreading the word! Share a link to our crowdfunding page, tell your family and friends, and post about The Red List on your social media channels.

Can I choose more than one reward?
Yes! You can claim multiple rewards, but you’ll need to complete a separate transaction for each one during checkout.

When will rewards be delivered?
Physical rewards will be processed and shipped after the campaign ends.
Digital rewards (like social media shoutouts) will be sent out throughout the campaign.
If you’ve chosen a screening at the National Botanic Garden of Wales, a digital ticket will be emailed to you ahead of the advertised event.