Desert lions talk through the lens
A film about the unique desert lions of the Kaokoveld and Damaraland will do Namibians proud in the latest high definition wildlife documentary aimed at the global market.
After spending nearly two years in the ancient Namib Desert, acclaimed wildlife filmmakers Will and Lianne Steenkamp bring an extraordinary documentary about the rarely seen desert-adapted lions. It is an intimate story following the survival of a specific pride along the Skeleton Coast of the northern Namib.
“Its a great privilege to have been granted the opportunity by the Ministry of Environment and Tourism and the Namibian Film Commission to feature the extraordinary desert-adapted lions of Namibia in our latest wildlife film,” say the Steenkamps, “We were able to capture a beautiful and in-depth story about the every day struggles of a pride that plays a crucial role in the fortitude of their population – an old lioness and her two daughters with the treacherous task of bringing up their five adolescent sons. We followed the five young male lions, known as the “Five Musketeers”, on their journey to adulthood. Its about the power of a pride, about family bonds, adventure and survival in one of the harshest places on Earth.” The hour-long film has been produced for the international market. “Our primary broadcast partners include ORF from Austria, the Smithsonian Channel in the USA and ARTE in Germany and France. National Geographic International will also be getting involved for the rest of the world broadcast territories”. The film has been translated into three languages, including English, German and remarkably, Damara. “The main aim with our films is to raise awareness, but more so to instil an appreciation for our natural world. Namibians are so fortunate to have such a unique and special kind of lion right on their doorstep but many children never get to see these remarkable animals,” say the filmmakers. “The Damara translation of the film is another way of trying to reach these audiences. We realize that it is hard for the local people to co-exist with lions and that Human-Lion Conflict is an inevitable challenge. With this film we hope not only to showcase the incredible natural wonders that Namibia is enriched with, but also to inform and educate Namibians about one of their very own natural treasures.”
Film Premiere
Vanishing Kings – Lions of the Namib
Documentary by Into Nature Productions
Worldwide premiere on 17 July 2015 at the Warehouse Theatre in Windhoek.
Two additional public screenings of the film will be held at the Warehouse Theatre in Windhoek on 18 July 2015 at 15h30 and 18h00. Contact www.staytoday.com.na or 061 420509/19 for tickets.
On 18 July 2015 at 17h30 the film will also be screened at the DOME in Swakopmund. Tickets will be available at the Box Office, or contact the Dome (064 400301). A cash bar will be available for the event.
