“The Birders” documentary
It was 2019, and Colombia was experiencing a transformative moment following the historic peace agreement. The country's image had fundamentally changed, sparking renewed international interest in discovering its natural wonders and cultural diversity. Among the finest expressions of Colombia's extraordinary richness were its birds. The country held—and continues to hold—the world record for bird species diversity, making it the perfect vehicle for promoting Colombia abroad. This inspired me to create a documentary series showcasing Colombia's birds and, through them, its remarkable nature destinations.
Thus was born The Birders, a documentary that became not only a powerful promotional tool for Colombia but also ignited a passion for birdwatching among thousands of people across the country. The production was carried out by WhereNext and featured the participation of renowned National Geographic photographer Keith Ladzinski alongside Colombia's leading bird guide, Diego Calderón-Franco. Filmed over 18 days across five locations along the Northern Colombia Birding Trail, the documentary showcases over 100 bird species—including rare species never before captured on film.
What makes this project truly unique is its innovative fusion of nature cinematography with Colombian music. Five renowned Colombian artists composed original tracks inspired by birdsong recorded during filming, creating a soundtrack that celebrates both the country's avian and rhythmic diversity. The National Audubon Society praised the film for perfectly capturing the experience of birding in the Neotropics, with stunning cinematography and a compelling narrative. The documentary has since been featured in BBC Wildlife Magazine, AFAR, Sierra Club, El Tiempo, and Bird Watcher's Digest, among other publications.
Having participated in this project as co-producer and executive producer has been one of the most rewarding experiences in the field of audiovisual production.
I'm sharing the link to The Birders series here. I hope you enjoy it and that it awakens the spark of passion for birds in you.