“Mare’s Nest”, interview with director Ben Rivers

Ben Rivers’ new film, “Mare’s Nest”, is a captivating exploration of childhood, freedom, and the search for meaning in a post-societal world. Premiering at the 69th BFI London Film Festival 2025, the film follows a young protagonist, Moon, as she navigates a world without adults, encounters other children, and grapples with questions of existence and the future. Known for his visually striking and thought-provoking work, Rivers offers a unique vision of hope amid a world facing climate change and societal collapse.

Connecting Visions: ‘Mare’s Nest’ and ‘Bogancloch’

Rivers sees a strong connection between “Mare’s Nest” and his earlier film, “Bogancloch“, despite their superficial differences. Both films, made simultaneously, explore themes of anarchy against social normality. While “Bogancloch“ depicts an older man’s solitary existence outside infrastructure, “Mare’s Nest” envisions children reinventing a world free from adult constraints. Rivers emphasizes that both films explore non-violent anarchy — a conscious choice to question the status quo without conflict. He highlights his interest in individuals who choose alternative ways of living as a form of hope against increasing conservatism, greed, and violence. These characters actively resist the relentless march of capitalism.

Challenging Tropes: A Hopeful Vision of Childhood

When discussing “Mare’s Nest”, Ben Rivers is eager to distance his work from any comparisons to “Lord of the Flies“, which is an easy association to make. Instead, he consciously aimed to create a more optimistic narrative — imagining a future where children, free from adult influence, can reinvent and rethink the world around them. The character of Moon, exploring this world with curiosity and wonder, embodies this hope.

The Power of Storytelling in a World Gone Mad

A key element of “Mare’s Nest” is the inclusion of an obscure play by Dallo, “The Word for Snow“. Performed by three nine-year-old girls within the film, it raises concerns about the changing planet, disappearing species, and the erosion of language. Rivers views the play as the beginning of Moon’s journey. He stresses the importance of storytelling as a means of protection when history spirals into chaos. This idea connects to his earlier short film, “Minotaur“, which is incorporated into “Mare’s Nest“. The Minotaur, a primal figure, symbolizes forgotten feelings society often suppresses. Rivers believes embracing these primal aspects is essential for finding our place in the world.

The Authenticity of Non-Professional Actors

Rivers shares insights into his casting choices, especially regarding Moon. The daughter of friends, Moon naturally brought ease and intelligence to her role. Her ability to engage with the film’s ideas made her an invaluable collaborator. Rivers also favors working with non-professional actors who bring a sense of “realness” to performances — willing to simply “be” in the moment without overthinking motivations. He describes a collaborative process involving play and improvisation, where he guides the children in creating choreography that he captures with his camera.

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