YouTube Originals has ordered “Laudato Si’,” a feature-length documentary from the BAFTA and OSCAR®-winning production company Off The Fence, (My Octopus Teacher) produced in partnership with the Laudato Si’ Movement and in collaboration with the Vatican. Set to debut on YouTube in early 2022, “Laudato Si’ is based on Pope Francis’s second encyclical and provides an urgent call to action on protecting our planet and each other.
“Sustainability and climate action are key areas of focus for our YouTube Originals programming,” said Nadine Zylstra Head of Family, Learning and Impact for YouTube Originals, “Off the Fence’s expertise in this space makes them the perfect fit to bring Pope Francis’ critical message to our global audience.”
“We are thrilled to be partnering with YouTube on this incredible project. Their reach will ensure everybody has access to the film and their creativity in content and form means a whole generation will be engaged with Laudato Si’’s important message,” said Leila Monks, Off the Fence’s Head of Commissioning.
The documentary offers a breathtaking wake-up call and a humbling reminder of our responsibility as a society to come together in solidarity for the preservation of our planet. Following the personal stories of several characters deeply connected to the climate crisis, “Laudato Si’” calls on communities and individuals to lead change on the local, national, and international levels.
Currently in production, “Laudato Si’” is written and directed by Nicolas Brown, produced by Sam Barton-Humphreys and Off The Fence Co-CEO Ellen Windemuth, and executive produced by Off The Fence Co-CEO Bo Stehmeier and Tomás Insua. Susanne Daniels is Global Head of Original Content for YouTube. Nadine Zylstra, Head of Family, Learning and Impact for YouTube Originals and Lauren Vrazilek and Amina Wilson on the Learning and Impact development team oversee “Laudato Si’” for YouTube Originals.
“Laudato Si’’” producer and Co-CEO of Off The Fence Ellen Windemuth also added, “This film is the place where people of many faiths convene with scientists to embrace Pope Francis’s vision for the future of our planet. Our film will adapt this important message into a beautiful character-driven story, shot all over the world.”
“Laudato Si’” is the latest addition to the YouTube Originals slate of sustainability programming which includes previously announced series: “Seat at the Table,” which sends creator Jack Harries on a global challenge to give people around the world a seat at the table in the climate conversation ahead of the UN’s Climate Change Conference (COP 26), “Brave Mission: Rewild the Planet” (previously titled “Stay Wild”) where Brave Wilderness will transport viewers directly to the front lines of nature where the effects of climate change can be witnessed first-hand by their impact on wildlife and humanity, and “Shut It Off ASAP,” where YouTube creators AsapSCIENCE leave their comfort zone in the city and head to a remote farm in the country to try their hand at going green, regenerative farming, and building a sustainable lifestyle.
