Windows to the underground

The unique ecosystems of soils have vital functions for our societies. Despite this, society  does not appreciate neither their value nor their vulnerability.

We plan to convey knowledge and to create emotions about soil through complementing communication channels: We want to produce a film series with microscope recordings of different organisms and processes from various soil systems, and tell their stories.

The soil video footages will further become part of live-performances on stage, where the audience can become part of the underground world, with help of green-screen techniques in a “MicroTheatre”.We are planning a series of ca. 30 films divided into 6 seasons, including the organisms, processes, different geographic regions, and environmental issues in the soils.

The films will be readily accessible on YouTube and are meant to spark awe about the bustling world beneath our feet, create a personal connection to soil organisms and their world, and inform about their fragility.

The films are based on research at Lund University on soil carbon storage, biodiversity, and environmental degradation, made possible through the development of microfluidic chips that recreate soil microstructures in a transparent material.

The main series will be produced for an adult audience, and there will also be  versions aimed at school-aged children and farmers for chosen episodes.