"UNCIVILIZED" to Prime

Michael Lees '“Uncivilized” now available on Amazon Prime and Apple TV

From the Forest to Film catch the award-winning production shot in the midst of a Category 5 Hurricane in 2017

In a world increasingly disconnected from nature, Michael Lees stands as a compelling voice exploring the intersection of civilization and the wild. His documentary, UNCIVILIZED, takes viewers on a profound journey into the heart of the Dominican rainforest, where Lees, fueled by curiosity and introspection, embarked on an audacious experiment: to leave behind the comforts of modern life and rediscover humanity’s primal roots. His journey, marked by both physical and mental challenges, culminated not only in personal revelations but also in a cinematic achievement that has garnered international attention, most notably at the prestigious Locarno Film Festival.

Michael Lees’ inspiration to delve into the wild was born from a simple yet profound question: "Are we better off in the world we've built, or would we find more fulfillment in the natural world, as our ancestors did?" Growing up in Dominica, a country where nature is a dominant force, Lees always had an intrinsic connection to the environment. However, his time spent in the United States highlighted the stark contrast between nature-centric and urbanized lifestyles. This dichotomy fueled his desire to explore whether modern civilization truly represents progress or if it has led us away from something fundamentally human.

Returning to Dominica after a decade in the States, Lees was struck by the reality that "all that glitters is not gold." The myth of American exceptionalism was shattered by his own experiences, and he found himself yearning to explore a more elemental way of life. This longing to test the foundations of modern society led him to the forest, where he would spend three months living off the land, documenting his experiences and introspections along the way.

Life in the forest was not without its hardships. The dampness of the rainforest made it nearly impossible to keep a fire going, a crucial task for cooking meat and staying warm. Lees quickly realized the importance of protein and calcium, as his body began to show signs of deficiency. Mentally, he grappled with anxiety, a surprising revelation given the solitude of his surroundings. "You would think that being in the forest, away from all problems and anxieties, would bring peace, but I found myself still anxious at times," Lees reflects. These challenges forced him to confront the reality that stress is not merely a product of external circumstances but can follow us even into the most remote corners of the earth.

Despite these difficulties, Lees experienced moments of profound introspection. One such moment occurred during a night when his shelter was overrun by termites, forcing him to sleep in the mud. Initially, he saw it as the worst experience imaginable, but he soon realized that it was merely an inconvenience, a choice he had made. Another revelation came as he savored a pawpaw by the river, fully present and content. These simple, yet powerful moments underscored the connection between mindfulness and happiness, themes that resonate deeply in UNCIVILIZED.

Michael Lees

Director of “Uncivilized”

Hurricane Maria, a Category 5 storm, struck Dominica during Lees’ time in the forest, leaving the island devastated. Emerging from the wilderness the day after the hurricane, Lees was confronted with a landscape so transformed that it was almost unrecognizable. "To have been living under the rainforest canopy for three months and then stick your head out to see not a single leaf on a single tree was beyond imaginable," he recalls. This humbling experience reinforced his belief in the power and unpredictability of nature, a theme that would become central to his documentary.

Bringing UNCIVILIZED to life was an arduous process, made even more challenging by the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. With no electricity, Lees was forced to edit the film on his father’s old laptop, powered by a generator. Despite these obstacles, he persisted, driven by a deep conviction in the importance of the story he was telling.

The film’s selection for the Locarno Film Festival was a moment of immense pride for Lees, not just as a filmmaker but as a Dominican. Being the first Dominican invited to the Open Doors Directors Programme at such a prestigious festival was an opportunity to showcase his homeland and its unique culture on the world stage. "All Dominicans have a strong sense of pride for our island," Lees says, reflecting on the experience of sharing Dominican chocolate and culture with the international film community.

UNCIVILIZED has since been released on major streaming platforms like Apple TV and Amazon Prime, where it has continued to resonate with audiences globally. The film’s exploration of humanity’s relationship with nature, especially in the context of climate change, has struck a chord with viewers. "It’s always heartwarming that the responses are so strong," Lees shares. "People are feeling the anxiety of the environment changing around us, and it resonates with them."
As Lees looks to the future, he carries with him the lessons learned from UNCIVILIZED. The experience has not only shaped his views on modern life but also instilled in him a belief in the power of perseverance. "I had the dream of wanting to make a film, and I decided to make it with whatever resources I had," Lees reflects. This determination has paved the way for future projects, as he continues to explore new ideas and push the boundaries of his craft.

For those contemplating a similarly bold and introspective journey, Lees offers this advice: "Take the time to orient yourself and figure out what feels meaningful in life. We often end up on trajectories decided for us by culture, family, or society, but taking that time to reflect is invaluable."

Michael Lees’ journey from the forests of Dominica to the global stage is a testament to the power of introspection, resilience, and the human spirit. Through UNCIVILIZED, he challenges us to reconsider our relationship with the natural world and the narratives of progress that have shaped modern civilization. As we navigate an increasingly uncertain future, Lees’ work serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of reconnecting with nature and questioning the paths we have chosen.