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science / third-sector

A River of Rock

We have produced a number of documentary projects on the subject of community risk, and resilience to volcanic activity. These projects took us around the world, and to the summit of active volcanoes.

A River of Rock is one in a series of three, short documentary projects. These films explore the different natural elements released by erupting volcanoes. In doing so, the films capture the real-life stories and experiences of disaster survivors; with the objective of analysing risk and educating communities that live in the shadows of active volcanoes.

Lambda Films worked with a global consortium of seven different universities, as well as organisations such as the British Geological Survey, The Department for International Development and a number of observatories at volcanic hotspots. This consortium operated under the umbrella organisation, STREVAStrengthening Resilience in Volcanic Areas.

Our first project with STREVA, was in 2014. We produced a first series of volcanic documentaries focusing on the tiny island of St Vincent, and the historic eruption of La Soufriere in 1979. However, these films aimed to educate vulnerable communities on how best to react to an impending eruption.

A River of Rock focuses on the incredible danger of Lahars; the huge torrents of mud and sediment that streams from the mountainside.  This documentary was filmed across the volcanoes Tungurahua in Ecuador, Soufrière Hills in Montserrat and Nevado del Ruiz in Colombia.

In 2022, the documentaries won the Dynamic Earth award, solidifying our position as an award-winning documentary production company.

In conclusion, you can watch the accompanying documentaries, A Glowing Cloud & An Eclipse here.

Client:
The World Bank Global Facility for Disaster Risk Reduction and Recovery and the Department for International Development
Producer (Lambda Films):
Hillary Whales
Producer (British Geological Survery):
Anna Hicks
Producer (University of East Anglia):
Jenni Barclay & Teresa Armijos
Producer (University of Bristol):
Steve Sparks & Sarah K Brown
Directors :
Ryan Stone & Alex Morris
Cinematography:
James Gorman & David Stafford
Editor:
Donovan Jones