The Little Things That Run the World

“This year, we are incredibly excited to honor a film that championed a crucial environmental theme with artistic mastery, transforming what could be a purely academic subject into an accessible and deeply engaging cinematic experience. More importantly, it leaves us with a sense of wonder and a gentle, optimistic call to action, inspiring us to appreciate and protect the delicate balance of our natural world. It’s my distinct pleasure to present this year’s Jennifer Bryson Snyder Award to THE LITTLE THINGS THAT RUN THE WORLD, by visionary director, Doug Hawes-Davis. It’s a mesmerizing exploration of the vital yet often overlooked role of insects in our global ecosystem. Doug has crafted a documentary that is both scientifically rigorous and visually stunning, taking us on a journey into the intricate world of these tiny creatures, and reminding us how fundamental they are to life as we know it.”  — Lighthouse International Film Festival Jury Statement

The Little Things That Run the World introduces viewers to a diverse group of scientists, nature lovers, gardeners, farmers, and general bug enthusiasts in exploring the importance of flying insects amid rapid declines in their numbers. This most numerous group of animals on the planet by far – three quarters of all species – have also been called the “glue of life” on Earth. They literally hold ecosystems together. But, there is evidence that the pace of decline among insects in parts of the world today is fast approaching the levels of previous catastrophes.

What does this mean for the rest of life on Earth, including humans? What is causing this extinction crisis? What can be done to reverse the trend? The Little Things That Run the World attempts to find answers to these questions, and more.

Best Documentary – East Lansing Film Festival

Best Feature Film – Poulsbo Film Festival

Best Cinematography – Twelve Lions Film Festival

Spirit Award/Sustainable Futures – Ceres Food Film Festival

Jen Snyder-Bryceland Award – Lighthouse International Film Festival

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Tanya Dapkey is a freshwater ecologist and entomologist with over 20 years of experience in biodiversity, entomology, and the natural sciences. She has a Master’s degree in Environmental Studies from the University of Pennsylvania where she used DNA barcoding and macroinvertebrate sampling to assess water quality in freshwater streams. She has held previous positions at the Academy of Natural Sciences and the Janzen Lab at the University of Pennsylvania. She currently works as a Project Manager at Princeton Hydro. Outside of work she enjoys insect collecting, gardening, home renovation dates with her husband of over two decades, and spending time with her children. She and her husband own Johnson Hall Coffee House in Bucks County.