The 18th edition of the Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) for Documentary, Short Fiction, and Animation Films featured the big screen international premiere of the documentary “My Mercury” today. Directed by Joelle Chesselet, the film offers a deeply personal and challenging journey into the life of her brother, Yves Chesselet, a lone conservationist on Mercury Island off the coast of Namibia, South Africa.
“To live on an island, you need a certain kind of personality,” says Chesselet, highlighting her brother’s desire to escape the world’s noise and rush. The 104-min documentary steps into the extraordinary world of Yves Chesselet and his attempts at conservation on Mercury Island where seabirds and seals become his only companions. His daring mission to reclaim the island for endangered species unfolds as a captivating tale of sacrifice, triumph and the profound bonds forged between man and nature. The film delves into the decline of endangered seabirds and other wildlife facing existential threats from seals.T. 18th edition of MIFF is taking place from 15th June to 21st June 2024, at the National Film Development Corporation -Films Division premises at Pedder Road in Mumbai.
Chesselet describes “My Mercury” as an eco-psychological film that explores the complex psyche of human beings and our exhilarating relationship with nature. “An island is a finite and challenging space,” she noted, suggesting that such an environment can be mentally taxing. “Everything that happened in the film is true,” asserts Chesselet, adding that only a few reconstructions were deployed in place of missing footage.
The island of Mercury, the film’s focal point, is depicted as a “soul space” for the protagonist, transformed into a paradise through his efforts. The film’s title, My Mercury, reflects this intimate connection to the island.
