Desire Lines (2022) - A short film about desire lines and the environment by Duncan Cowles

Through distant observation of people walking on desire lines, a filmmaker notices a pattern in peoples tendency to cut corners, and reflects on what this might mean for the future of our planet.

‘Desire Lines’ are the official name given to the unofficial paths created as a consequence of erosion by human or animal footfall. These paths usually represent the shortest or most easily navigated route between an origin and destination.

What do desire lines say about human nature and our attitude towards the changing climate? Are we doomed to always take the path of least resistance? Or can we still be saved by collectively forging a new path together?

OFFICIAL SELECTION
03/2023 - 19th ZagrebDox International Documentary Festival (Croatia)
03/2023 - 39th Lille European Film Festival (France)
05/2023 - Flatpack Film Festival (UK)
05/2023 - Loco London Comedy Film Festival (UK)
06/2023 - 46th Norwegian Short Film Festival (Norway)
09/2023 - The Smalls Film Festival (UK)
10/2023 - Bolton Film Festival (UK)
10/2023 - Uppsala International Short Film Festival (Sweden)
10/2023 - DokumentART Film Festival (Germany)
11/2023 - Interfilm Berlin Short Film Festival (Germany)
11/2023 - This is England Film Festival (France)
11/2023 - Kendal Mountain Festival (UK)
11/2023 - Norwich Film Festival (UK)
01/2024 - Minimalen Short Film Festival (Norway)
01/2024 - London Short Film Festival (UK)
01/2024 – British Shorts Berlin (Germany)
02/2024 – Human International Documentary Festival (Norway)
02/2024 – London Mountain Film Festival (UK)

CREDITS
A film by Duncan Cowles
Original music: Richard Luke
Sound mix: Keith Duncan
Poster Design: David Lemm
Production Company: Relative Films Ltd

Completed: Sept 2022

WEBSITE
duncancowles.com/desire-lines