
Documentary Proposal
"Numbering The Nights"
Follow the extraordinary journey of an interdisciplinary SciArt team as they blend science, art, and storytelling to show how climate change is affecting bat populations in Peru’s Manú National Park.

Hi there,
My name is Jonah Wafula-Card, a documentary filmmaker who loves exploring and sharing unique stories about people, culture, and the natural world through video. I am excited to have been invited to document a research project in Manu National Park next year in Peruvian Andes.
Jonah Wafula-Card
Producer/Director
“Numbering The Night” follows an interdisciplinary SciArt team who are combining scientific investigation, fine art, and storytelling to reveal to the public how climate change is reshaping bat populations in Peru’s Manú National Park.
Together, Dr. Amanda Grunwald, a postdoctoral research scientist from Chicago’s Field Museum of Natural History (FMNH), and Sienna Cenere, a scientific artist known for her intricate numberism illustrations, embark on a two year collaboration to discover how art and science can work together in science communication and environmental activism.
The film will follow the scientific and creative journey of the SciArt team’s two-year project, capturing the full arc of research in Manu, from rugged fieldwork to the creative process in the studio. It will weave together candid interviews with the research team and conservation stakeholders in Manu, aerial views of the park and collection sites, and archival footage from historic biodiversity surveys. The project culminates in a SciArt presentation at the Climate Action Museum in Chicago where the public will be invited to learn about their findings through an immersive gallery exhibit and lecture series designed for a broad audience.
In an era when the crises we face can feel overwhelming and insurmountable, this project brings a message of hope, showcasing scientists and artists working together to reveal the extraordinary world of bats of the Andes.
Synopsis
Executive summary
Format
HD Video
Genre
Documentary
Budget
$84,879.95
Shoot
Sept 2026

“It seems to me that the natural world is the greatest source of excitement; the greatest source of visual beauty; the greatest source of intellectual interest. It is the greatest source of so much in life that makes life worth living.”
David Attenborough
Main characters

Dr. Amanda Grunwald, Ph.D. is a postdoctoral researcher at the Field Museum of Natural History, where she leads an interdisciplinary project investigating how bat populations in the Tropical Andes are responding to climate change. Her research integrates genomics, museum collections, and biodiversity surveys to uncover long-term ecological and evolutionary shifts in montane species.
She earned her Ph.D. in Biology from Portland State University, where she conducted biodiversity research in Central Africa, including the first bat diversity survey of an isolated mountain in central Cameroon, identifying over 40 species.
Dr. Grunwald has taught 11 different biology laboratory courses, ranging from Mammalogy and Field Sampling to Anatomy & Physiology and Principles of Biology. She is committed to breaking down barriers in academia through resource sharing, student-centered learning, and flexible, evolving classroom structures that support individual needs. Her work often merges research with social justice and public outreach, whether through partnerships with scientific artists or fundraising to make research more equitable. Beyond academia, she has contributed to grassroots housing and environmental justice organizations. Her career is grounded in a deep commitment to science communication, inclusive education, and interdisciplinary collaboration.




Sienna Cenere is a self-taught artist with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. Her distinctive style,
known as Numberism, involves meticulously hand-writing thousands of tiny numbers and
equations to create meditative and educational artworks. Each piece is composed of scientific
data relevant to the subject’s form and function, bridging the gap between art, science, and
public outreach.
Sienna has presented her work in multidisciplinary lectures across the Pacific Northwest and
the UK, in collaboration with organizations such as NW Noggin, the Washington State
Emergency Nurse Association, and Physiology News Magazine. She has exhibited at local
galleries including Ford, Afru, Blind Insect, and Gallery 114 among others, and maintains an art
studio in North Portland where she produces original work and fine art reproductions.
She is currently preparing to embark on a two year SciArt collaboration with research scientist
Dr. Amanda Grunwald, which will take her from doing field work in the Andean rainforest, to
historical analysis and specimen illustration at the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago.
The project will culminate in a fine art exhibition and lecture series at the Climate Action
Museum in Chicago. This exhibit will be presented to scientists, students, and the general public
to engage and educate a broad audience about how climate change affects vulnerable species.



Tone of the Documentary
Theme
Saving the Nature: Explores how science and art work together to reveal the hidden effects of climate change and inspire people to care for the environment.


Style
Cinematic Authenticity: This documentary weaves together breathtaking cinematography with deeply moving story, creating a heartwarming and inspirational experience. This documentary is inviting the audience to not just watch, but to feel, reflect, and be inspired.

Location
Scenes of Action and Peace: The film is set in a variety of locations, including, Jungles, conservation centers, and Museum facilities, providing diverse backdrops to the stories of our characters and their research



Gear
Capturing Nature's Beauty: This documentary production relies on a range of state-of-the-art equipment, including the industry-leading Sony FX6 for high-resolution shots, Professional Thermal Camera for capturing footage of bats at their natural environment and DJI Mavic 3 with Thermal Specs for breathtaking aerial perspectives.

Gear
Capturing Nature's Beauty: This documentary production relies on a range of state-of-the-art equipment, including the industry-leading Sony FX6 for high-resolution shots, Professional Thermal Camera for capturing footage of bats at their natural environment and DJI Mavic 3 with Thermal Specs for breathtaking aerial perspectives.
Mood Board




Visual Aesthetics
The film's visuals are characterized by sweeping landscapes, intimate close-ups conveying both grandeur and intimacy.


Atmospheric Elements
We will work with natural lighting, letting light and shadow move organically through the setting. The soft glow of dawn and the warm hues of dusk create a sense of magic in the shots

Character Portraits
Close-ups reveal the soulful eyes of our characters and Bats, capturing their resilience, charisma, and their deep passion.



Production
Script
TBD Pages
Shoot
45 days
Cast
2 Main character and 1-2 Team member
Locations
Wayqecha Cloud Forest Biological Station
Schedule
Pre-Production
Pre-Production
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Finalize script revisions.
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Secure financing and funding.
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Assemble the core production team.
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Location scouting and acquisition.
Pre-Visualization
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Create storyboards, shot lists, and visual concepts.
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Define the overall visual style.
Crew Hiring
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Hire If Need extra hands.
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Complete crew hiring.
Budgeting and Scheduling
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Finalize budget and production schedule.
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Secure necessary permits.
Production
Principal Photography
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Shoot scenes based on the finalized shooting schedule.
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Daily coordination and management of crew and our research team
Daily Post-Production
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Transfer and back up footage.
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Initial editing for continuity.
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Review daily rushes.
Post-Production
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Editing
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Sound Design and Music Composition
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Color Grading and Visual Effects
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Post-Production Sound
Target Audience
Wildlife Enthusiasts
Families and Children
Families seeking educational and heartwarming content that inspires kids.
Eco-Advocates
Passionate advocates dedicated to wildlife conservation and environmental causes, seeking motivation and insights.
Nature lovers intrigued by human-animal connections and passionate about conservation.
Documentary Enthusiasts
Fans of compelling storytelling and stunning visuals in documentary films.
Budget
Financing plan
Secured funding
Tbd
Funding in progress
Tbd
Funding in needed
Tbd
Additional financing strategies
Tbd
Return on investment
Tbd
Marketing And Distribution Plan
Marketing strategy
Distribution Channels
Theatrical & Digital Realease
International Distribution
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Create a captivating movie trailer and teaser.
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Utilize social media platforms for teaser releases and engagement.
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Collaborate with influencers and bloggers for reviews and promotions.
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Host virtual or physical premieres and screenings.
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Launch an official movie website with interactive content.
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Engage in content marketing with behind-the-scenes features and interviews.
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Partner with relevant brands for cross-promotions.
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Art House Cinemas: Screen the film in art house cinemas known for showcasing independent and foreign films, attracting niche audiences.
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Educational Institutions: Offer the film to universities and film schools for educational purposes, creating a new distribution channel.
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On-Demand Streaming Services: Distribute the film through on-demand services that cater to specific genres or niche audiences.
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Airline Entertainment: Explore partnerships with airlines to feature the film as part of their in-flight entertainment options.
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Cable and Satellite TV: Negotiate distribution agreements with cable and satellite TV providers to reach a broader domestic and international audience.
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Film Clubs and Societies: Connect with film enthusiast clubs and societies that organize screenings and discussions around independent cinema.
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Theatrical Release:
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Plan a staggered theatrical release strategy, starting in key markets.
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Coordinate with theaters for premieres and advance screenings.
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Leverage traditional and digital advertising for theater promotions.
Digital Release:
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Negotiate with streaming platforms for exclusive digital rights.
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Optimize metadata and keywords for discoverability.
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Launch a dedicated social media campaign for digital release.
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Film Festivals: Submit to international film festivals for exposure and potential distribution deals.
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Foreign Sales Agents: Partner with experts to secure distribution in foreign markets.
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Global Streaming Platforms: Distribute via major platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime.
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Regional Distributors: Collaborate with regional companies for localized strategies.
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Film Export Offices: Utilize national offices to promote and distribute internationally.
