The Lady Beetle (2024)

The Lady Beetle is a short documentary that intertwines the delicate artistry of filmmaking with the intimate world of ladybugs, inviting viewers to reimagine the natural history genre through a lens of self-discovery and identity. Blending nature, art, and a queer ecological perspective, the film challenges the traditional gaze, offering a contemplative journey that explores the connections between creation, observation, and the intricate lives of tiny, often overlooked creatures.

The Lady Beetle is a poetic essay film that journeys into the colorful, intricate world of ladybugs to explore intersections between nature, identity, and the art of filmmaking. Through the lens of queer ecology, this film reimagines the traditional natural history narrative, inviting viewers to question rigid, binary interpretations of the natural world. By focusing on the adaptable, nonlinear lives of ladybugs, The Lady Beetle draws a delicate parallel to themes of self-discovery and the fluidity of identity. The film’s macro cinematography disrupts conventional views of nature, guiding the audience toward a more reflexive, interconnected perception of ecosystems. Through this immersive and exploratory approach, The Lady Beetle meditates on the artistic process, revealing how our gaze shapes and limits our understanding of the world.

The decision to create The Lady Beetle stems from a convergence of Spence’s personal, academic, and creative motivations. This project is not just a film; it embodies his lifelong fascination with the natural world, particularly insects, which has been a central part of his identity from a young age. Growing up in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, Spence developed a deep connection to the environment, where observing the intricate lives of insects was both a hobby and a form of personal exploration. This early fascination with entomology has matured into a broader interest in ecology, leading him to pursue a career where he can merge his love for nature with his creative aspirations as a filmmaker.

Written, Directed, Produced, and Edited by Spence Scott

Cinematography by Spence Scott & Leif Everson

Runtime - 10 minutes