UNCIVILIZED

Spotlight Feature (Opening Film)

October 30, 2020 | Online Only



 

Synopsis

A young man sets off to the forest in search of the simple life of ancient, “uncivilized” man, but when category 5 Hurricane Maria hits his island, his project takes on new meaning as the entire country is sent back to “primitive living”. In the wake of the catastrophe, Michael and his island must quickly adapt, while meditating on what it means to live well.

 

Details:

Dominica | 01:11 Mins | Documentary Feature

Meet The Makers:

Director: Michael Lees

Executive Producer: Sheldon Casimir

Producer: Nikki Abban

Editor: Norris François Jr.

Director: Michael Lees

Michael Lees is a Dominican film-maker and photographer whose work  explores themes of environmentalism, spirituality, and island life, aiming to  connect the dots in the “bigger picture.” Michael attended UNC Chapel Hill,  where he spent the first half of his college career studying business at the  Kenan-Flagler Business School, later switching his major from business to film.  

Never one to shy away from bold decisions, in 2017, Michael embarked on his  latest project, UNCIVILIZED, which would lead him into the forests of  Dominica, where he would eventually face Hurricane Maria alone in the forest, in a palm leaf and  bamboo hut.  

Lees has written, shot, and edited for clients ranging from Billboard to UNICEF. Much of his  inspiration is drawn from his home island, Dominica, and from an unquenchable curiosity about the  world around him.  

Facebook/Twitter/YouTube @uncivlizedfilm