Nalini Nadkarni is a world-renowned ecologist who climbs trees in the rainforest canopy to study “what grows back” after an ecological disturbance. In 2015, her rope snapped on a research climb, and she fell fifty feet from a tree and nearly died. After making a miraculous recovery, Nalini begins to explore a new research subject - herself.
Between Earth & Sky follows Nalini as she prepares for another research climb in Monteverde, Costa Rica, before considering retirement from the field. In the process, she unearths the roots of other disturbances she faced throughout her life, as the daughter of mixed Indian-Jewish immigrant parents who prized high achievement and contribution above all else.
As a child, trees provided a place of solace and safety to Nalini, so much so that she swore an oath to protect them. Now, Nalini is doing the work of untangling the roots of her past and bringing family secrets to light, in order to understand how each impacted her life's course. In an attempt to heal, she revisits the site of her fall on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington, where her past, present, and future converge.
"Remarkably beautiful, insightful, and powerful, Between Earth and Sky an engaging and personal story of a renowned scientist who seeks to understand nature in the world's treetops and found herself in the process." —David Foster, Director Emeritus of Harvard Forest, Harvard University, Author, Wildlands in New England and Hemlock: A Forest Giant on the Edge
"In Between Earth and Sky we learn not only about Nalini the scientist but about Nalini the woman and her reflections on facing challenges in her life. Her enthusiasm for trees and life is contagious and provides inspiration in these difficult times." —Karen Holl, Professor of Environmental Studies, University of California - Santa Cruz
"There is so much passion, drive, humor, and gorgeous photography packed in this short film that I didn't want it to end." —Joey Moser, Awards Daily
"This is a powerful and beautiful film. Between Earth and Sky is a touching and personal documentary about a remarkable scientist and the unofficial Queen of tree canopy biology. For forty years Nalini Nadkarni has carried out adventurous field work and made stunning discoveries about how trees and their epiphyte communities communicate and share water and nutrients. She is courageously honest about how childhood trauma and a serious injury have shaped the inspiring scientist and human being she is." —Janet Franklin, Professor of Geography, San Diego State University
"Between Earth and Sky takes us on TNC Utah trustee's Nalini Nadkarni's remarkable journey as a pioneering canopy researcher confronting her own resilience after a life-threatening fall. Her exploration of both forest regeneration and personal roots offers a powerful reminder that understanding nature deepens our understanding of ourselves." —Elizabeth Kitchens, Utah State Director, The Nature Conservancy
"Through breathtaking cinematography and dynamic editing, this film sublimely captures the inspirational resilience and bravery of forest ecologist Nalini Nadkarni. The filmmaker weaves Nalini's unyielding quest to heal the planet through the trees of the forest with her own journey: to face and overcome her own deeply personal trauma." —Big Sky Documentary Film Festival Jury
"'The trees were there as my witness,' states world-renowned ecologist Nalini Nadkarni as she reflects on her past, present and future...Strength and fragility combine to create something new." —Eileen Arandiga, Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival
"Nalini Nadkarni is a pioneer in canopy biology as well as a kindhearted, thoughtful, passionate and dedicated educator and mentor. This beautiful film succeeds in transporting the viewer to the majestic and relatively unexplored frontier of the rain forest, the canopy, while also provoking inner reflection as Nalini asks the question - Once all the of elements of my identity associated with achievements, abilities, work and hobbies are removed, who am I, really?" —Sybil Gotsch, Associate Research Professor of Forest Ecophysiology, University of Kentucky
"An intimate portrait of one of our arboreal heroines, Between Earth and Sky reminds us of how a life spent studying trees can be joyful and rewarding. But the film explores a deeper dimension as well: how a life with trees can help us heal from any personal obstacles we might face - from sexual abuse to physical pain." —Joan Maloof, Founder, Old-Growth Forest Network, Author, Nature's Temples: A Natural History of Old-Growth Forests
"A charming film that will get you to fall in love with life and trees and the wonder of the world." —Steve Kopian, Unseen Films
"Amazing and inspiring! Nalini has been a hero of mine throughout my career for her pioneering ecology, but I had no idea just how much of a hero she is until I saw this film!" —Gregory H. Aplet, Senior Forest Scientist, The Wilderness Society
"The challenges that Nalini Nadkarni has faced, recovered from, and stepped beyond are inspirational. Getting to enjoy conversation with and observe her in action is a highly influential opportunity. This is a wonderful story that introduces students to some of the possibilities of the natural resource professions as well as the ultimate adventures available." —Pat Stephens Williams, Professor of Human Dimensions in Natural Resources, Stephen F. Austin State University
