Billy and Molly visit on the shore. Credit: National Geographic / Charlie Hamilton James
Billy & Molly: An Otter Love Story premiered May 6 on National Geographic and is now available to stream on Disney+ (UK)/Hulu, and on the Nat Geo YouTube channel in US.
From National Geographic and Silverback Films, “Billy & Molly: An Otter Love Story” is a heart-warming story of love between a wild otter and a man set in the remote Scottish islands of Shetland.
Produced by Silverback Films, and from Director Charlie Hamilton James and Producer Jeff Wilson, the documentary follows Billy, a salt-of-the-earth philosopher and Molly, a half-drowned, starving young female otter that Billy stumbles on one rainy evening in the Scottish subarctic. From there, an unlikely relationship begins that eventually saves them both. Billy & Molly is a remarkable story of trust, of joy and a shared love of the simple things in life.
“Billy and Molly is a beautiful, special story that encapsulates the beauty of the natural world and the effect it can have on our lives during the unlikeliest of moments,” said Tom McDonald, Executive Vice President, Global Factual and Unscripted Content, National Geographic
Shot in 4K, the film captures the wild nature of the British Isles with its orcas, dolphin pods and migratory birds that come to feed on its ragged shorelines. Billy and Molly get to know each other amidst this backdrop they call home. Molly likes salmon, yellow buckets and playing in lobster pots. Billy likes shucking scallops, the feel of lichen on dry stone walls, and drinking tea. With Molly as his guide, Billy gains a heightened level of intimacy with the natural world in a way he didn’t know was possible. The film is an emotional journey, capturing the joy that accompanies a blossoming friendship and the heartbreak that comes when it’s time to part way.
“This film was the ultimate passion project for me, and simply a dream come true,” said director Charlie Hamilton James. “At its core, Billy & Molly: An Otter Love Story is about love between man and wife, and man and otter, and for the natural world. We hope viewers will feel this love radiate when they watch the film.”
The film world premiered at South by Southwest (SXSW) in Austin - watch the highlights below to hear more from the makers and stars of the film:
It continued its festival run at the Copenhagen International Documentary Festival (CPH:DOX) and DC Environmental Film Festival, at the San Francisco Film Festival (SFFILM) and Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival.
It has won multiple awards including the highly coveted Golden Panda for Best Overall Production at the 2024 Wilscreen Panda Awards, as well as winning Best Producer / Directer and the Scripted Narrative Award. Our film is currently nominated for 6 Critics Choice Awards.
“Has the power to restore faith in humanity.” - Cinemacy
“9/10...it should be one of 2024’s very best documentaries.” - Sunshine State Cineplex
“An emotional powerhouse of a documentary.” - Screen Zealots
“4/5...one of the most pleasant, ineffably lovable documentaries you will see all year.” - Disappointment Media
"The images are absolutely magical, with a unique and breath-taking photography direction…” - Amelie Magazine
"Molly is a star" - Film Festival Today
"“...a wholesome family-friendly documentary…” - Laughing Place
