During their visit, they were struck not only by Shetland’s natural beauty but by the warmth and generosity of the community they encountered. This interview marks the launch of a series of four short films created in Shetland, each sharing stories from islanders and offering a glimpse into everyday life in the Islands of Opportunity.
Drawn to remote and lesser-known places, filmmakers Diletta Pasini and Leonardo Filippini came to Shetland curious about life at the edge of the UK. What began as a search for dramatic landscapes and wildlife soon became a deeper exploration of the people who live and work across the islands.
What made you want to visit Shetland?
Diletta
I’ve always been drawn to remote and lesser-known places, where nature still feels raw and untamed. There’s something deeply inspiring about landscapes that haven’t been overly shaped by humans.
Shetland seemed like the perfect destination: wild, quiet, full of contrast, and it felt like a place where I could connect deeply with the environment while discovering stories that are often overlooked.
Leonardo
Honestly, it's a destination I've always wanted to visit, as I love that kind of scenery and landscape, and discovering places with so much history to tell.
I'm passionate about the wild nature of the far north and Arctic locations, in addition to the stories in the documentary project.
What was your first impression when you arrived in the islands?
Diletta
I was instantly amazed by the landscape, even just driving away from the airport: open skies, dramatic coastlines, and that unmistakable sense of space. I remember thinking: “Wow, this really does feel spectacular.”
Then we arrived in Lerwick, and I was completely surprised by the architecture, the stone buildings, the old harbour houses and those almost fairytale-like rooftops gave the town so much character. I wasn’t expecting that kind of atmosphere at all!
Leonardo
Cold! But at the same time, I immediately felt the warmth of the people and their welcome. Once again, I repeat, the beauty of the panorama and landscapes is perfectly balanced with the adorable villages and towns.
Filmmakers Diletta Pasini and Leonardo Filippini Jonathon Bulter
What stands out as your best memory?
Diletta
One of the most unforgettable days was the trip to Noss. I love nature, especially the wildlife, and seeing puffins up close, completely unbothered as they went about nesting, was magical.
Also the cliffs of Noss were absolutely overwhelming: hundreds and hundreds of gannets flying, diving, perching. It was a real spectacle.
Oddly enough, I also really enjoyed driving across the islands. The roads, the sea views, the quietness. In a sort of way, they reminded me a lot of Lanzarote, where I lived for two years.
Leonardo
Probably the extremely close encounter with the puffins was as thrilling as when I found myself face-to-face with a grizzly bear in the wild during my experience in northern Canada.
Seeing animals so close, almost touching them in their natural habitat, is an emotion too great to describe.
Did anything surprise you about life in Shetland?
Diletta
I was very touched by the strong sense of community. People genuinely seem to care about each other and help each other out, it’s not something you experience everywhere.
And coming from Italy, I couldn’t help but laugh when I realised there wasn’t a pizzeria, I guess it’s part of the adventure.
Leonardo
I was honestly surprised by how much life and activity there was across the islands. It is well known that islanders have a strong sense of community in general, but I felt a great sense of belonging and sharing, as if I were almost at home.
I was honestly surprised by how much life and activity there was across the islands.
How did you find the weather?
Diletta
Honestly, I kind of loved it. I’ve always liked the rain, and I found the constant shifts in light and atmosphere very energising.
You could be filming in moody mist one minute and full sun the next, and then you see a rainbow appear out of nowhere, it kept everything alive and unpredictable, which I actually found inspiring!
Leonardo
We weren't very lucky, but honestly, that's to be expected when travelling so far north, especially when surrounded by the North Sea. And I'm a big fan of rain and storms!
Getting up close with Puffins was a highlight of the trip Jonathon Bulter
Is there anything you wished you had seen or done, but didn’t manage?
Diletta
Yes, I really wanted to visit Hermaness Nature Reserve, but we didn’t manage to fit it into the schedule. I’ve seen photos, and I can only imagine how it feels in person. I’m sure it’s worth a trip back just for that.
Also, we passed through Eshaness a bit too quickly; the landscape there looked stunning, and I would have loved to stop, walk around, and take it all in more slowly. Hopefully next time!
Leonardo
Yes, there are other islands I would have liked to visit. For example, Unst is spectacular. Very isolated and quiet, it perfectly balances the slightly livelier pace of Lerwick and other communities.
There are also other people to interview and meet, especially, I would have liked to focus more on fishing and fishermen. I think it's a good starting point for when I return!
Would you like to return to Shetland, and what would you like to see and do?
Diletta
I'd absolutely return, without a doubt!
Next time, I’d love to explore more on foot as there are so many incredible trails that I didn’t have time to hike. I’d also want to go to the places I missed, like Hermaness and Eshaness.
And if I can plan it right, I’d really love to experience the Up Helly Aa fire festival. It looks like something unique and full of atmosphere.
Leonardo
Absolutely! I want to go back in autumn, but also in spring to see the fiery climax of the Up Helly Aa festivals, but also to visit more remote places, meet other people to have more stories to tell. And why not, move there for a while, maybe to find work on an Arctic expedition ship to take photos and videos!
Life in Shetland: The diverse careers
Filmmakers Diletta Pasini and Leonardo Filipini spent time in Shetland, meeting some of the young people forging rewarding careers in the islands.
From the sisters running a farm in the fertile South Mainland, to the ambitious team at the SaxaVord Spaceport in the north of Unst, there is a surprising range of industries in Shetland.
And with a unique mixture of heritage, musical culture, internationally-important wildlife and excellent sport and leisure opporunities, it is an excellent place to grow your career.