Project Wild Thing

Project Wild Thing is a British documentary film released in 2013 that creatively and thoughtfully explores the decreasing amount of time today's children spend interacting with nature, compared to their screen time. The documentary, directed by David Bond, ingeniously harnesses unique storytelling elements to present a pressing predicament facing today's youth. Featuring interviews with notable figures in the field of environmentalism and child development such as Michael Depledge, Susan Greenfield, Jay Griffiths, the film serves as both a commentary on the modern disconnect from nature and an inspiring call to action encouraging children to reconnect with the outdoors.

In Project Wild Thing, David Bond, who also serves as the film’s protagonist, takes up the role of the self-appointed “Marketing Director for Nature”. He sets out on a journey to sell the idea of nature to the United Kingdom's children - a task even more challenging considering today's technologically enthralled generation. The film showcases his innovative and at-times humorous efforts to compete against the screens, which includes devising a marketing campaign, developing merchandise, and even attending various business expos.

Throughout the film, Bond attempts to understand why children are spending less time outdoors and explores the potential impacts of this shift on their physical and mental health. On this journey, he interacts with environmental experts and child development specialists including Michael Depledge, Professor of Environment and Human Health at the University of Exeter, Baroness Susan Greenfield, a British scientist specializing in psychology and neuroscience, and author Jay Griffiths, whose idiosyncratic writings has established her as one of the foremost voices in nature writing.

One of the film's great strengths is the interview with Michael Depledge, who sheds light on the importance of nature for human health and well-being. He shares compelling insights into how humans are hardwired to have a connection with nature and what that means for today’s indoor-dwelling children.

Baroness Susan Greenfield complements these themes by discussing the implications of excessive screen time on the developing brains of children. Her expertise augments the argument and pinpoints the technological conveniences act as competition for the great outdoors.

As the film delves deeper into this disconnect from nature, Jay Griffiths makes an appearance, offering provocative thoughts on how the omission of wildness from children’s lives can negatively impact their development. She makes a case for the importance of unhindered, free-spirited play in the natural world as a critical part of child rearing.

Additionally, the film weaves in the perspectives of children and adolescents who, through their innocent articulations, express their thoughts on nature, screens, and how they prefer to spend their time. This noticeably adds a level of authenticity and poignant nuance to the depiction of this multi-faceted issue.

Visually amusing and full of wit, Project Wild Thing also depicts David Bond's struggles to sell nature in a digital marketplace dominated by screen-based entertainment. Throughout these efforts, the film plays on the irony of the situation, highlighting the absurdity of having to sell something as fundamental as nature to children.

The documentary uses a compelling mix of humor, scientific data, and exploratory narrative, making it an informative and entertaining watch. More than just a movie, it also became a part of a larger movement known as “The Wild Network,” which aims to encourage kids to swap their “30 minutes of screen time for 30 minutes of wild time.”

Project Wild Thing manifests as an important film that forces us to question our modern lifestyles and our disconnection with nature, offering an insightful critique of the increasing encroachment of digital media into our lives and its impact on our relationship with the natural world. It serves as an influential wake up call, and it not only raises crucial questions but also seeks to offer potential solutions to the problem. It's a must-watch for anyone interested in nature, childhood development, parenting, and the intersection of technology and health. Through its unique storytelling, it leaves viewers with a deep appreciation for the beautiful simplicity and complex relevance of nature in our lives.