Billy Offland's Pot of Gold
Committed to environmentalism, the climate crisis, and biodiversity, Billy Offland helped create the inspiring documentary “Pot of Gold.” The documentary highlights real challenges such as climate change, poverty, sustainability, and the connection between the environment’s wellbeing and humanity’s wellbeing. For even greater impact, the project was create in partnership with the influential organization Human Appeal. To learn more about Billy Offland and “Pot of Gold,” read on.
Where are you based?
You’ll find me in, maybe biasedly, in the best city in the world, Manchester, England.
What inspired your interest in environmentalism?
Mine predominantly came firsthand. After being fortunate to travel and fall in love with the coral reefs, I started to see the gradual destruction of these incredible ecosystems as a consequence of climate change and human irresponsibility. So, what I deeply loved, I wanted to save!
Literature has always played a massive part in developing my interest too. I remember finding a collection of James Lovelock books in my secondary school library and the Gaia hypothesis helped everything make sense.
Additionally, reading books like The Conservation Revolution by Robert Fletcher and Bram Büscher opened my eyes to both the history of the environmental struggle I sympathized with as well as showing me how alternative versions of the future could be dreamt and then implemented.
Congratulations on your new documentary, “Pot of Gold”, out October 18! What are some things viewers can expect to see from it? What are the main themes touched on throughout the film?
Thank you!! It’s an amazing feeling to be able to share the fruits of years of hard work with the public. People can expect a real visual feast into a rarely documented culture and corner of our planet (courtesy of the amazing videographer and my codirector Olivier Richomme); a heartwarming story of resilience and ingenuity and they’ll hear a crazy soundtrack of unique Pakistani Surf Rock, which sounds like a pretty good combination!
What influenced the creation of this documentary? What do you hope viewers take away from it?
Before Pot of Gold, I’d been traveling to the frontlines of the biodiversity and climate crisis, spending time with those committing their lives to save the planet. When I started talking with Human Appeal about telling this story, there was so much in common with that mission.
I hope that viewers take away that human wellbeing and ecological wellbeing are intertwined. Usually, we view it through the lens that interventions for the benefit of nature and the broader environment sometimes must come at the consequence of human development and prosperity. However, the film, and Human Appeals project, proves that with the right projects, the pursuit of human development can bring positive impacts to nature and the environment.
How does “Pot of Gold” highlight solutions to global challenges like climate change, poverty, and sustainability?
Pot of Gold also highlights the importance of embracing traditional knowledge and local wisdom. Our main character, Shakeel, although not going to a top university or studying abroad, brought solutions to the table which could only be conceived through years of lived experience. Although there were a lot of people who have contributed to the success of Human Appeal’s Beekeeping project, I think it’s fair to say that without Shakeel’s knowledge it would not have had the success It did.
You helped produce, direct, and narrate this documentary. How did you get into production and directing? What inspired you to get involved with this project?
When it’s written down like that it sounds very selfish of me, doesn’t it!
Whether it was telling stories of my own travels (unfortunately just before the birth of the travel influencer!), to interviews with people and communities who inspired me whilst on my journey to travel to every country in the world; to ultimately coming across a big story here with Human Appeal. It was the ability to tell a story that I thought was important and that people could hopefully take something away from – no matter how big or small.
”Pot of Gold” was created in partnership with the global humanitarian charity Human Appeal, a non-profit dedicated to fighting poverty, social injustice, and natural disaster. Can you tell us more about this organization and their mission?
Human Appeal is an amazing charitable organization, faith-based but not faith-specific and ‘Here for Every Human”. Their team is on the frontlines in some of the most challenging situations, whether conflict zones or, like at the birth of the Pot of Gold story, working through the rubble in the epicenter of natural disasters.
What are some ways in which Human Appeal goes about furthering its mission? What are some of the programs they offer?
The work of Human Appeal is always guided by five ethical, participatory, and sustainable principles: gender parity, environmental protection, inclusion, protection and value-for-money.
I was fortunate to explore a few of their different projects while in Pakistan, but I implore you to check out their website to see all the other amazing work they do!
Child welfare: Their one-to-one orphan sponsorship helps some of the most vulnerable children by supporting the cost of their shelter, clothing, food and school materials. This program is a lifeline to nearly 12,000 children; without it, many would need to work to support their families.
Livelihoods: Working in marginalized communities, Human Appeal provides training, equipment, and business skills to help people support themselves and their families. From beekeepers to tailors, from bakers to farmers, from entrepreneurs to carpenters, they’ve trained and guided thousands of men and women, allowing them to enter the workforce with a skill that is relevant to their local environment.
How did this film and non-profit partnership come about? How does this film work hand in hand with Human Appeal to further their work?
Human Appeal is always seeking new and innovative channels to communicate its vision and mission. Luckily for me making a film was one of the channels they wanted to explore!
‘Pot of Gold’ embodies what Human Appeal stands for: empowering communities to protect their environment, build sustainable resources and take ownership of their futures.
What stood out to me was how Human Appeal stays with these communities and sometimes individuals for years. Not just providing immediate relief or short-term gains but really investing in people and their futures. From here, this is where positive movements will be born.
How does human life intersect with the climate crisis?
I spoke about James Lovelock and his Gaia hypothesis before. Understanding this makes it so easy to recognize that we are a part of a being which is alive. Everything we do has an impact that can be both positive and negative, and there’s a reaction to this too. This reaction though isn’t just and those of us that do the most significant damage to the planet aren’t feeling its most devastating effects.
What are some common misconceptions about climate change?
That it’s not happening and it’s not the fault of humans, for one.
Secondly, that it’s separate from the biodiversity crisis.
Thirdly, ‘You’ can’t have a positive impact.
What are some ways our readers can get involved and help keep our environment healthy?
I believe that everyone should try to ‘Save What You Love’. Whether it’s your local green space, your favorite animal or something even bigger. There are so many causes and organizations across the world that need extra support.
In some ways we’re lucky that we live in a digitally connected world where building diverse communities built on shared loves or concerns is possible. So many of these communities already exist so unless you want to, you never have to be alone!
Are there any upcoming projects you are currently working on that we should be on the lookout for?
I’m currently editing a short documentary film set in the mountains of North Macedonia, telling the story of a fascinating family of traditional pastoralists. Where most are giving up this livelihood which has shaped the ecology and stories of this region for centuries, Zoran, his wife and children are battling to modernize tradition.
What stood out for me about this story was the harmony between people and their environment and the interconnectedness between human wellbeing and biodiversity. The film also asks the question of what modernization is — it doesn’t have to be technological advancement, but perhaps the evolution of equality and perception.
It has been a crazy few years, and we expect at least four more. How have you been staying positive?
I’ve been seeing friends and people around me, with amazing mentalities and intentions going through the world telling the right stories and getting better at what they do. When our time comes hopefully, we’ll be there ready to have a positive impact.
What is your motto in life?
Usually it’s ‘Don’t panic until your cap floats’ but this doesn’t quite work for the climate crisis…
To learn more about Billy Offland, please check out the links below:
All reports from IPBES! Their ‘Global Assessment’ is the bible of the state of our biodiversity.
https://www.ipbes.net/global-assessment
Waterbear – a free platform dedicated to visual environmental storytelling
My favorite example of community building and environmental activism recently has come from @friendsofaldabra (insta).
https://www.friendsofaldabra.org/
Please check out the film on Amazon!
