A Body Called Life
A self-isolated young human known as James delves into the hidden world of microscopic organisms, cultivating a tender connection with these nearly invisible creatures as he seeks to understand his own place in the cosmos and accept the scars of his past. This film was made in collaboration with James, a screenplay adapted from James’ verbatim Instagram posts, and starring James as James.
Sponsored by Sundogs Bed & Breakfast
Filmmaker: Spencer MacDonald
Running Time: 15 mins
Language: English
Type: Official Selection – Short
Spencer MacDonald is a Berlin-based director whose work blends documentary and fiction to explore the strange overlap of human stories and environmental mysteries. His debut short, Scarlet Medusa—about a jellyfish that may live forever—screened at the Palm Springs ShortFest and the Atlanta Film Festival. A Body Called Life is his follow up film; it has screened at more than 35 festivals, earned multiple honors, and qualified for the 2025 Academy Awards for Best Documentary Short Subject. He is currently developing his first feature, Passengers.
