CineCity presents new film King Auk
Depot Cinema, Lewes on Sunday 8th November 2026
A remarkable story of extinction, scientific discovery and artistic commemoration takes centre stage in King Auk, a new documentary following the creation of a life-sized bronze memorial to one of Britain’s lost seabirds.
In May 1813, a hunter on the remote Orkney island of Papa Westray collected a flightless bird in response to a bounty offered by a private collector. The bird was one of the last breeding Great Auks in Britain, a species driven to extinction by human exploitation. Its preserved remains are now held at the Natural History Museum, where the specimen has become a significant part of the institution’s historic collection.
Directed by Brian McClave, King Auk follows the six-year journey to create a bronze memorial to the Great Auk, situated on the clifftops of Papa Westray. The sculpture was developed using high-resolution 3D digital scans of the fragile museum specimen, bringing together cutting-edge technology, artistic practice and the desire to commemorate a species lost to human activity.
Through the perspectives of islanders, scientists and museum curators, the film unravels a compelling historical mystery while confronting the continuing consequences of humanity’s relationship with the natural world. The Great Auk’s disappearance serves as a stark reminder of how quickly wildlife can be lost, and the importance of preserving what remains.
The screening will be followed by a Q&A with director Brian McClave and Dr Joanne Cooper of the Natural History Museum, hosted by Dr David Bramwell. Audiences will have the opportunity to explore the film’s blend of natural history, conservation and public art with those involved in bringing the story to life.
King Auk screens at Lewes Depot on Sunday 8 November at 3.15pm as part of CineCity Brighton Film Festival, which brings an adventurous programme of cinema, artists’ films, archive discoveries and special events to Brighton and the surrounding area each November.
Details
CINECITY THE BRIGHTON FILM FESTIVAL – ADVENTURES IN WORLD CINEMA
Films, talks and special events from 6-15 NOV 2026.
Date: Sunday 8th November / 3.15pm
Duration: 94 mins
Venue: Screenings at the Depot cinema, Lewes. Check website for details.
Tickets: Book online direct from each venue – details on Cinecity website. Book online.
