Coral reefs occupy less than one tenth of one per cent of the ocean floor yet they are home to a quarter of all known marine species. They are complex, infinitely varied structures providing all kinds of homes for their many residents. As in any crowded metropolis, there is fierce rivalry for space, for food and for a partner. The broadclub cuttlefish has found its place in the city by using a hypnotic display that apparently mesmerises its prey, causing it to let down its defences and subsequently providing a meal. On the Great Barrier Reef we meet a remarkable grouper which uses sign language, dubbed the ‘headstand signal’, to reach out to an entirely different creature, a reef octopus, to flush small fish from their hiding holes and into the groupers waiting mouth. At night the reef becomes a dangerous place, as metre-long bobbit worms strike from their burrows.

Panda Award nomination: Films at 59 Sound Award

The screening will be followed by a Q&A.

Wildscreen Festival is the world’s largest and most prestigious wildlife and environmental filmmaking event which takes place in Bristol every two years. Wildscreen is a Bristol based charity with the goal to convene the best photographers, filmmakers and creative professionals with the most committed conservationists to create compelling stories about the natural world; that inspire the wider public to experience it, feel part of it and protect it.

Immerse yourself in the wild for a week of screenings from 15 – 21 October. See the full programme of screenings here.

If you're a Wildscreen Festival day/week delegate, enter the promo code to reserve your free ticket. You will be asked to show your delegate badge to gain entry to the screening.