“The days that I felt complete exhaustion or when my bones felt like breaking from running on hard pavement, I would look up and see a monarch butterfly. It was like this messenger of hope…”
– Carlotta James
About the Film
The Monarch Ultra
Deeply concerned about the steep decline of insect pollinators due to devastating environmental impacts, a group of runners trace the migration path of the monarch butterflies across three countries as they organized a 4,300 kilometre relay run, aiming to raise awareness for pollinator conservation
DIRECTOR STATEMENT
“As a filmmaker I saw an opportunity to explore the parallel stories of the monarchs and the runners. During the 2019 relay run, runners not only traced the migration route of monarch butterflies, but also experienced similar challenges that the monarchs face in their annual migration. The film covers the story behind the planning and execution of The Monarch Ultra and how this international relay run connects with environmental activism.”
Rodney Fuentes – Film Director, Narrator
THE ISSUE
Monarch butterflies are in steep decline which populations dropping up to 90% in the last 20 years. There’s a lot you can do to help and support monarchs and reduce their decline. Your help not only benefit monarch butterflies but also all insect pollinators that are so important to our food supply and for maintaining the health of our ecosystems. Click the link to learn ways to help.