New documentary features human stories and powerful cinematography showing how humanity can build a safe and thriving future for all by working with nature
A new feature documentary, How To Live on Earth, presented by two-time Academy Award nominee Benedict Cumberbatch, will premiere on YouTube on Sunday 20 September 2026 at 7pm BST.
Coined as the ultimate ‘how-to video’, the film features thought-provoking human stories and cinematography showing how humanity can build a safe and thriving future by working with nature. Lead contributors include Xiye Bastida, a climate justice activist, Dan O’Neill, a field biologist, wildlife filmmaker, and explorer, and Sam Kass, a former White House chef and senior policy advisor on nutrition.
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‘We created How to Live on Earth to be a catalyst for a much bigger conversation about our relationship with the natural world. We’ve seen a growing appetite for hopeful stories that give people optimism and agency, and the global premiere on YouTube is a chance to turn that momentum into a truly shared moment,’ said executive producer and co-founder of Open Planet Studios Jonnie Hughes.
Following its recent world premiere event, the launch of How To Live on Earth will make the film accessible to audiences everywhere and create a shared viewing experience.
The premiere will also feature an original end credit track written, produced and performed by Grammy-winning artist Imogen Heap, titled ‘Chapter 4’.
‘This all sparked from a conversation with my dear friend, Dan O’Neill, a wildlife biologist and one of the featured experts who shares their experiences in How To Live on Earth,’ said Imogen Heap.
‘After watching the film, which I absolutely loved, I was deeply inspired to write this track. I’m so honoured to be a part of it and can’t wait for audiences to hear ‘Chapter 4’ for the first time during the film’s global premiere on YouTube.’
