UNIT Film & TV Supports Project Pressure’s Landmark Rwenzori Glacier Expedition Documentary

UNIT, the Fitzrovia-based independent creative studio, contributed to an eye-opening short film documenting the 2024 Project Pressure Rwenzori Expedition. Led by explorer and director Klaus Thymann, founder of climate-focused charity Project Pressure, and created in partnership with UNESCO and Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), the documentary was released Friday, 21st March, 2025, on UN Glacier Day.

Rwenzori Mountains National Park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 due to its unique beauty, rare and endangered species, and abundance of flora and fauna. The equatorial Rwenzori Mountains, which cross the borders of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, are the highest and most permanent sources of the River Nile. They constitute a vital water-catchment relied upon by five million people, including the Bakonzo communities who have long lived along the base of the mountains.

The Project Pressure film documents the ground breaking expedition to the Rwenzori to survey the three highest mountains in the range–Mt. Stanley, Mt. Baker, and Mt. Speke–to create the first-ever 3D model of Mt. Stanley’s glaciers and install long-term monitoring equipment. The team returned with critical mapping data, scientific measurements, and comparative imagery, bringing increased attention to the issue of global climate change and the need for conservation efforts.

The mission of the Rwenzori Glacier Project team, led by Klaus Thymann - also a Fellow of The Explorers Club as well as The Royal Geographical Society - was to document the alarming glacier loss in the region, which are among the last remaining tropical glaciers in the world. The expedition revealed a shocking 29% loss in surface area on Mt. Stanley’s glacier between 2020 and 2024, while the glacier on Mt. Baker has already disappeared entirely. This loss is not just an environmental crisis but also a spiritual one for the local Bakonzo community, who regard the glaciers as sacred.

Directed by Klaus Thymann, a member of UNIT’s live action directors hub roster, and a Project Pressure production, the Rwenzori Expedition documentary was produced by Klaus and his team whilst on expedition.

UNIT executive producer Phil McCluney led the team with UNIT producer Wil Male in working closely with Project Pressure to ensure that the visuals portrayed the urgency and importance of the project. UNIT colourist Dan Coles’ expert grading made certain the stunning landscapes and critical scientific data were reflected in the most impactful way.

The Rwenzori Glacier Project film is a powerful testament to the urgent need for global climate action. By highlighting the rapidly vanishing glaciers of the Rwenzori Mountains, the documentary not only raises awareness of the environmental crisis but also underscores the vital connection between climate change and the preservation of both natural ecosystems and cultural heritage. UNIT Studios is proud to have played a role in bringing this important story to life.

Klaus Thymann, expedition leader and UNIT directors hub member, remarked, “Working with the UNIT team on post-production for this film has been an excellent collaborative process that helped bring the important work of the Rwenzori Expedition to a wider audience. They ensured that the visuals captured both the beauty and urgency of the situation, helping us convey the critical message about the rapid decline of the glaciers and the importance of global action on climate change.”

Phil McCluney, UNIT executive producer, commented, “We’re proud to have played a role in this important project highlighting the devastating effects of climate change on the Rwenzori glaciers. This film is more than just a visual representation of the expedition—it’s a powerful tool to raise awareness and inspire action. It was a pleasure to collaborate closely with Project Pressure to help ensure that the footage conveyed the gravity of the situation to drive meaningful conversations around climate change and its global implications.”

Dan Coles, UNIT colourist, added, “The footage of the Rwenzori Mountains was breath taking, and it was a pleasure enhancing and bringing that beauty to life for such an important film.”