London filmmaker’s documentary aims to protect NC’s iconic Venus flytrap
LELAND, NC (WWAY) — A two-time Emmy Award-winning filmmaker is shining a spotlight on how development is threatening one of North Carolina’s most unique native species, the Venus Flytrap.
London-based director Robert Ford is producing Flytrap Town, a feature-length documentary that tells the story of the rare carnivorous plant, which grows naturally only within about 70 miles of Wilmington. Ford says the project focuses on Brunswick County, particularly Boiling Spring Lakes, where construction and land clearing have put pressure on the plant’s fragile habitat.
“The flytrap is very threatened because there’s a lot of development in this area,” Ford said. “The film focuses on Brunswick County and especially Boiling Spring Lakes, which is the epicenter for Venus flytraps in the wild. And there are these passionate conservationists who are trying to save it. The Venus flytrap rescuers, they dig them up and move them to safe ground.”
Ford says he has met people across the Cape Fear region who share a strong sense of environmental stewardship.
“I’ve met people who care passionately about nature and about conservation,” he said. “Everyone I’ve met has been so supportive of this project. The people of North Carolina have really embraced this project, are supporting it financially, giving their time, giving their everything.”
Ford said that while development cannot be stopped, it can be managed in a way that protects the local ecosystem.
“I don’t think development can be stopped, but it can be done in a responsible way,” he said. “People need to be conscious of the nature where they’re moving to. The natural world needs to be protected.”
The project is still in production and expected to take another year to complete. Ford said his previous films have appeared on Netflix and HBO. The documentary is being produced in partnership with Southern Conservation Partners, which serves as the film’s fiscal sponsor.
Details on contributing to the project are available here.
