TerraForma

TERRAFORMA explores the remarkable history of Ascension Island, a remote volcanic island in the South Atlantic that remained largely barren for millions of years before becoming the site of one of history's most ambitious ecological experiments. In the nineteenth century, British scientists introduced plants and trees from around the world, transforming the island into a lush, artificial landscape. From this extraordinary story, the film opens up broader questions about humanity's relationship with nature. What begins as the history of a single island becomes a reflection on colonial ambition, environmental engineering and the desire to reshape landscapes according to human needs. The experiment on Ascension Island offers a striking historical lens through which to consider today's debates about geoengineering and the future of the planet. Combining sweeping images of volcanic rock, dense vegetation and the island's unique ecosystem with contributions from experts in ecology, geology, politics and design, TERRAFORMA examines how ideas of "nature" are constructed, altered and controlled. The film invites viewers to reconsider the boundary between the natural and the artificial in a world increasingly shaped by human intervention. Directed by Kevin Brennan and Laurence Durkin, TERRAFORMA is a visually rich documentary that connects environmental history with urgent contemporary questions. It offers a thoughtful exploration of how the landscapes we inherit—and those we create—shape the future of our planet.