A simple encounter with a woodpecker at age 15 changed
@birdnerdeem âs life forever.
âRudeboyâ is a short film for Planet Health Stories, a series in collaboration with
@bupa exploring the inseparable bond between human and planetary health.
Born and raised in East London, the streets taught him to be cold, hard and toughâ like the city itself. Nadeem grew up against a backdrop of violence, crime and pressure from all sides. But in a quiet green graveyard, a moment of unexpected beauty inspired a new path and a desire to leave the world better than he found it.
In Rudeboy, Nadeem tells the story of the moment a European green woodpeckerâ grass-green, black mask, red capâ appeared before him, happy being itself and letting him be himself without judgment. For Nadeem, thatâs what being a rudeboy means: the freedom to exist authentically.
This encounter sparked his journey to becoming a keen birdwatcher, wildlife TV presenter, writer, activist, and co-founder of
@flocktogether.world â a birdwatching collective which aims to show that nature belongs to everyone, especially those whoâve been told it doesnât.
Today, his story reminds us that green spaces arenât a luxury but a necessity â that chance encounters with wildlife provide the grounding, guidance and introspection essential for navigating mental health in the intensity of urban life, and that everyone deserves that access.
CREDITS
Earthrise Executive Producer -
@aliceaedy
Earthrise Producer -
@cicicici_oooo
Art Direction -
@lilianasaldanha
Directed by
@birdnerdeem
Production by
@herohyenacom
Script by
@birdnerdeem
Camera Operator
@edwardmadoir
Archive Footage Charlie Dean,
@adamhearnewildlife and birdbrainuk
Editor
@elijahravenquick
Colour Grade
@elijahravenquick
SPECIAL THANKS marylouisewilson_ of
@wilsonsbristol , Bristol, Kiran Ramchurn and the players and parents of Los Campos (Youth) Football Club, Hackney, London