Award-Winning Debut Documentary · 2024

Journey of
Transformation

A short nature documentary on the Blue Morpho butterfly. Beauty, fragility, and resilience in the rainforests of Costa Rica.

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18 min 23 sec · Costa Rica · 2024 · 4K

Year

2024

Runtime

18 min 23 sec

Genre

Nature

Location

Costa Rica

Director

Jaap Perenboom

Subject

Blue Morpho

Festival laurels for Journey of Transformation

Synopsis

Embark on a breathtaking journey with the Blue Morpho butterfly as it navigates the perils of the jungle in a remarkable cycle of transformation. Featuring rare, intimate footage from hatching to flight, this documentary unveils the delicate balance of life, where beauty, struggle, and resilience coexist in the wild.

A perfect balance between stunning visuals, a captivating story, and fascinating information about butterflies. Watch, learn, and enjoy every moment as the intricate life of the Blue Morpho unfolds before your eyes.

I couldn't believe it: after more than 40 hours watching a pinhead-sized Blue Morpho egg, it finally hatched. Unforgettable.Jaap Perenboom · Director

Capturing the miracle of life

The Blue Morpho egg, hatching

One of the most remarkable and rare shots in the film is the hatching of a Blue Morpho egg. To capture this moment, Jaap spent over 40 hours closely observing the pinhead-sized egg, waiting for the perfect moment to record the first signs of life.

A test of patience and dedication. Footage that is not only visually stunning but scientifically significant. A rare glimpse into the delicate beginnings of the Blue Morpho's life cycle, helping us understand the species better and revealing the intricate processes of nature that often go unnoticed.

From the Film

Selected stills

Director's Statement

Nature, as it is.

The Blue Morpho butterfly, with its dazzling iridescent blue wings, has always captivated me. Not just for its beauty, but for the profound transformation it represents. Native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, the Blue Morpho is more than a symbol of nature's splendor; it is a vital part of its ecosystem.

With rare and intimate footage, I aim to reveal the Blue Morpho's Journey of Transformation. A process that mirrors the beauty and fragility of life itself. I prefer to show nature as it is, without any activistic tone or message. I hope this film will inspire viewers to look closer, and to recognize the importance of protecting the delicate ecosystems that allow species like the Blue Morpho to thrive.

Jaap Perenboom

From Egg to Audience

On screens, in front of audiences.

From its 2024 release, Journey of Transformation has travelled the festival circuit, collecting laurels and, more importantly, meeting audiences in cinemas around the world.

Audience at Natourale festival — Source: Natourale Film Festival.

On stage at Natourale — Source: Natourale Film Festival.

Q&A after the screening — Source: Natourale Film Festival.

With the audience after the film — Source: Natourale Film Festival.

Awards & Recognition

Selected wins

Wildlife Conservation Film Festival

Mexico · USA

WinnerShort Documentary

WinnerEducation

WinnerGabriel Figueroa Special Award

Natourale Festival

Germany

WinnerNature Short Film

Guernsey Film Festival

United Kingdom

WinnerGolden Donkey Award · Audience Favorite

Attic Theatre International Film Festival

Wales

WinnerBest Environmental Film

Earth in Focus

Singapore

2nd Runner UpNature Documentary

Scandinavian International Film Festival

Finland

FinalistShort Film

Jackson DOC FEST

USA

FinalistEnvironment Short

VIANATUR Environmental Film Festival

Spain

Quarter FinalistBest Short Documentary

Credits

Made by

Director & Producer: Jaap Perenboom
Assistant Director: Imke Perenboom
Story Consultant: Imke Perenboom
Cinematography: Jaap Perenboom
Editing & Colour: Jaap Perenboom

Special Thanks

Kristal & William · Pierella Ecological Garden
Miguel · Monteverde Butterfly Garden
Willem Vonken
Jean-Marc Joseph
Jacques Massardo

Technical Information

Specifications

Format: 4K UHD · 3840 × 2160
Frame Rate: 23.97 fps
Aspect Ratio: 16:9
Audio: Stereo
Codec: H.264 · MPEG-4 AAC
Language: English (subtitles available)
Camera: Sony A1 · A7S III
Lenses: Sony 90mm Macro · 16-35GM · 35mm 1.4 · Sigma 150-600mm Sports

Journey of Transformation

Eighteen minutes. From egg to flight.

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