Hunting for Feathers Film

‘Hunting for Feathers’ is a ten-minute documentary that forms part of the 'Art and Climate Change' project led by Samuel Shaw (Art History, Open University) and Carla Benzan (Art History, Open University). Focussing on feathers and fashion, the film asks viewers to consider historic portraits, and the accessories worn by female sitters, in relation to biodiversity and species loss.

The film was written and presented by Carla Benzan, and produced, directed, and edited by Elizabeth Penman, with funding from the Open University in association with the OU in Scotland and Glasgow Museums. The documentaries were launched at the Glasgow Science Festival in June 2022, and are part of a projected series of films exploring the role that historic collections can play in educating people about biodiversity and the global climate crisis.