Hey! My name is Aztrid Novillo, I am a wildlife filmmaker from Ecuador currently based in the archipelago of Svalbard. Seven years ago my curiosity for the cold regions lead me to move to Northern Norway, and that's when my love story with the Arctic started.
My passion for photography and film began when I met a very inspiring blue morph arctic fox in Svalbard, who I call Azul with love, this little and yet strong creature changed my life completely and became my inspiration for the Arctic wildlife that thrives in such extreme conditions.
"Love and respect for nature has always been my strongest guide and inspiration in life."
Mixing my background as an architect and urban planner, together with wildlife filmmaking, I follow a path towards creating awareness of our interaction with other species and the effects of our settlements. Reflecting on our relationship as humans – with, in and as part of – nature, aiming for coexistence and protection of all living beings.
I collaborate with several NGOs in Northern Norway as well as local municipalities for projects of conservation such as outreach through video and story telling, articles, and educational workshops with children and youth. During this year I am part of the ambassador program of Girls who Click 2024, which has been an incredible opportunity to learn and connect with other female photographers around the world and get invaluable advice from my mentor Karine Aigner.
"In love with the Arctic"
Filming in Svalbard has given me the opportunity to develop skills for working on remote locations, in terms of logistics planning, safety requirements and endurance under harsh climates. I have experience filming with long lens (Sony Fe 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS, Canon CINE-SERVO 50-1000mm T5.0-8.9), and wide angle lenses. I am a certified drone pilot (license A1-A3 issued by CAA Norway).
Own camera equipment:
Sony A7iii
Sony Fe 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS
Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN II
DJI Mavic 3PRO
Publications:
National Geographic Latin America: "Así viven los animales árticos bajo el sol de medianoche" Full Article
WIldlab Projects: "Aztrid Novillo promotes wildlife-friendly cities as an architect and filmmaker." Full Article
Awards:
"Drifting" - Honorable mention - International Photography Awards - IPA 2024
"Walking over Clouds" - Official Selection - One Shot-Searching for Peace - IPA
photo by Paolo Verzone
Media:
Diario el Mercurio: "Aztrid Novillo, la cuencana que documenta la vida del zorro azul en Noruega" - Full article
Diario el Universo: "De las faldas del Polo norte a las montañas de Pakistan" - Feature with interview and my photography work in the Arctic - Full article
ORAIN Noticias: " Del Artico al Cantábrico" - Interviewed - video reportage
photo by Nicola Noventa