How this Nottinghamshire filmmaker is hoping to spread the love through the magic of capybaras

The Route to Cappyness offers a thought-provoking journey on why capybaras have captured the imagination of people around the globe and what we can learn from their calm lifestyle.

And for creator Sharon Walia, a former tv news journalist who grew up in Wollaton, the gentle capybara is a species we can all learn a lot from.

“I did a deep dive and a lot of research and set out on a mission around the world to uncover why people have become fascinated with capybaras and what I discovered is amazing,” said Sharon.

“I set out to do a wildlife film really but I have ended up making a film about connection and kindness. The main point is that capybaras have always been here, what I found was capybaras haven’t changed but it is us humans who have changed.

“We are seeking, in such a stressful, busy, sad world, something that takes us away and the capybara symbolises peace, tranquillity and zen. You can just watch them and they are so peaceful, they are an escape for people.

“They are an unusual looking animal but at the same time they feel a bit familiar because they are basically a giant guinea pig. They are teaching people about the connection with the natural world, slowing down and being kind to each other. They are so social and get on with all other animals.”

The fascinating documentary hits the big screen on Saturday at the Broadway Cinema in Nottingham for its UK premiere before embarking on a tour of arthouses and multiplexes around the nation.

During the film’s production Sharon, a Nottingham Forest fan who now lives in Rainworth, visited Brazil, USA, Japan and Farnsfield’s Wheelgate to discover what makes the loveable animals so special.

“I couldn’t do the film without seeing them in the wild so a lot of the film is set in the wild in Brazil. We see how they have co-existed in Brazil alongside humans and there is some really lovely footage in the film,” added Sharon.

“We go to Japan where capybaras have existed since the 1960s and you will find out why they have been brought over. Now they are a mascot of harmony in Japan.

“We head to America to see two of the most famous capybaras in the world and then return to the UK to look at the experiences like we have at Wheelgate.”

All in all it took three years for Sharon and her Notts-based production crew to put the film together, though Sharon is more than confident that it will be well worth the wait.

“There is something for everyone in this film. If capybara lovers come then great, but I am already preaching to the converted there,” she says. “I want the people who don’t know anything about capybaras to come. Everyone will take something from this film but a big aspect of it is well-being and how we can all learn from this giant rodent.

“There is so much going on in the world that you can’t ignore. I know the world is a very dark place at the moment. This film will really help people because it is about being kinder to each other.

“We have got every big player in the capybara world in this film and the people who have really connected with the capybaras like the keepers, so we have the human interest level as well.

“It has been a long journey and I am proud of it. I am a film-maker who has stayed and I like putting Notts on the map. I try to use a regional crew where I can and I’m really proud that the people who have been a part of this behind-the-scenes are going to see their names on the big screen. That means a lot and is going to put Notts talent on the map.”

The Route to Cappyness is Sharon’s third documentary with her first feature film on refugees, The Movement, touring independent theatres before finding a home on Amazon Prime.

Her second documentary - The Keepers of the Pigs - is dubbed the first major film on the humble guinea pig and was also theatrically released before heading over to NETFLIX and Amazon Prime.

The Route to Cappyness will also have a US premiere at AMC Cinema at Disney in Orlando.

You can view the film’s trailer here.