Hillswick: Beyond the Tides - WildReach Productions

short documentary (2025) | 43:00

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Synopsis

The remarkable story of Jan and Pete Bevington, founders of Hillswick Wildlife Sanctuary, whose lifelong dedication to protecting Shetland’s marine wildlife is captured through the rehabilitation of Otto, an orphaned otter, in what became Jan’s final rescue.

ABOUT THE FILM

Hillswick: Beyond the Tides is an emotional and visually stunning short documentary that celebrates the lives of Jan and Pete Bevington, whose 40 years of work at Hillswick Wildlife Sanctuary have transformed Shetland’s approach to wildlife conservation. Through the story of Otto, an otter rescued in 2023 and carefully rehabilitated over nine months, the film intertwines the Bevingtons’ incredible legacy with Shetland’s unparalleled natural beauty. With Jan’s passing in 2024, Hillswick: Beyond the Tides becomes not just a tribute to her, but a call to action to ensure the sanctuary, and the values it represents, continue to thrive in the years to come.

LEGACY

Jan and Pete Bevington devoted their lives to wildlife rescue and environmental advocacy, saving countless seals, otters, and even the occasional sea turtle from their sanctuary in Hillswick. Their work has had a profound impact on Shetland’s wildlife, its community, and its global reputation as a haven for marine life. Jan’s death has left a void not just in the sanctuary, but in Shetland’s conservation landscape. Her dedication, resilience, and ability to inspire others live on through this film and the sanctuary she built with Pete—a testament to the power of compassion and community in the fight for a better world.

WHAT'S NEXT

The film is currently in post-production, with completion expected in early 2025. It will be submitted to major film festivals in spring 2025, with plans for international distribution through broadcasters, streaming platforms, and community screenings later in the year.