LEAF ARCHITECTS Leaf Architects unveils bats as you’ve never seen them before—tiny, furry, bright-white creatures that transform rainforest leaves into extraordinary living architectural designs. Through the eyes of biologist Bernal Rodríguez, who has dedicated decades to studying these hidden home builders, the film reveals astonishing behaviors captured on camera for the very first time: from delicate construction techniques to the vital role bats play in regenerating tropical forests. Blending breathtaking imagery with a story of passion and discovery, Leaf Architects invites audiences to witness the secret lives of bats and the wonders of nature they sustain.
Credits:
Project supported by National Geographic Society
Leaf Architects Project Team: Dr. Bernal Rodríguez Herrera, Dr. Rodrigo Medellín, Juan Carlos Vargas Mena, Daniela Cafaggi Lemus, Armando Vega, Ana Lucía Arévalo Figueroa, Giulliana Appel, Ragdé Sánchez, Eduardo Martins Venticinque, Emi Kondo and Thomas Poole.
A film by: Emi Kondo and Thomas Poole
Executive Producers: Dr. Bernal Rodríguez Herrera, Dr. Rodrigo Medellín,
Emi Kondo and Thomas Poole.
Featuring Dr. Bernal Rodríguez Herrera - Research Center of Biodiversity and Tropical Ecology & Biology School of University of Costa Rica.
Narrated by: Dr. Rodrigo Medellín
Producer / Director: Emi Kondo
Cinematography / Director: Thomas Poole
Original Music by: Micaela Carballo
Editor: Kim Elizondo Navarro
Colorist: Edith Alfaro
Sound Design & Sound Mix: Mauricio Mora – Long Beach Records
Production Coordinator: Ragdé Sánchez
Technical Advisors: Emmanuel Rojas Valerio & Julio Madriz
Camera Assistant: Miguel Martinez
Second Camera & Infrared: Emi Kondo
Camera Assistants - Rio Nuevo: Matteo Clarke & Roman Willi
Production Assistants: Débora Díaz, José Gabriel Barquero & Clara Hommers
Archive Footage: Bat tent construction
Video 1: Dr. Bernal Rodríguez Herrera
Video 2: Ricardo Sánchez
Video 3: Rachel Salazar
Photos: Armando Vega
Instrument Interpreters:
Kalimba: Micaela Carballo
Marimba: Angel Velez
Graphics & Animations: Emi Kondo
English Translations:
Emi Kondo & Thomas Poole
Special Thanks: Débora Díaz and Ricardo Sánchez
Reserva Biológica La Tirimbina:
Presidente y Gerente General: Pedro González
Investigación: Emanuel Rojas, Mariela García y Enrique Solano.
Estación Caño Palma:
Station Manager: Charlotte Foale
Field Coordinator: Manuel Arias,
Veragua Foundation:
Research: Diego Salas
Estación Biológica La Selva:
Sofía Rodríguez
Orlando Vargas
Enrique Castro
Rio Nuevo Biological Reserve: Jim Córdoba
Botanica Films Copyright © 2025.
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