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Entertainment / ‘Otter love story’ film gets UK release date

The documentary has been hailed as a ‘remarkable film [which] truly captures the beauty of nature and humanity’

Billy and Molly on the shoreline. Photo: National Geographic/Charlie Hamilton James

AN ACCLAIMED documentary film which highlights the remarkable bond between a Shetland man and an otter is set to be released in the UK later this month.

Billy & Molly: An Otter Love Story has already been broadcast in the US and has been showcased at film festivals across the world, but it is now set to air in the UK on Disney+ on 14 November and the National Geographic the following day.

The team behind the film says it “shows audiences how the ability to love can reawaken us to the beauty of nature”.

It focuses on local couple Billy Mail and his wife Susan, who narrate the film.

When a wild otter in need of help washes up on their pier, Billy, Susan and their sheepdog Jade find themselves with a unique new member of their family.

The couple take it upon themselves to care for the otter, providing Billy with a new sense of purpose.

Billy and Molly sit in Billy’s rowing boat. Photo: National Geographic/Johnny Rolt

Director Charlie Hamilton James said: “This film was the ultimate passion project for me, and simply a dream come true.

“At its core, Billy & Molly: An Otter Love Story is about love between man and wife, and man and otter, and for the natural world. We hope viewers will feel this love radiate when they watch the film.”

Tom McDonald, National Geographic’s executive vice president of global factual and unscripted content, said it is an “inspiring story that we hope will encourage viewers to pause and reconnect with the world around them”.

“This remarkable film truly captures the beauty of nature and humanity and how it impacts our lives in the most unexpected ways.”

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The film enjoys powerful cinematography of Shetland, with music composed by Orcadian Erland Cooper.

Charlie Hamilton James is a world-renowned National Geographic photographer, filmmaker and author known for his captivating work on wildlife and conservation issues.

He began his career at 16, working on David Attenborough’s Trails of Life before going on to direct and shoot documentaries for clients including National Geographic and the BBC.

Photo: Charlie Hamilton James

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