BEst documentary
lions of the skelton coast
A true coming-of-age story about three orphaned desert lion cubs who discovered a most remarkable way of survival along the mystical shores of Namibia’s Skeleton Coast. A story as surprising as it is inspiring: a true-life drama about resilience and survival. Documented over eight years, we follow the ground-breaking work of lion researcher Dr Philip Stander as he witnesses the orphaned cubs’ incredible journey, from their first unsteady steps in the heart of the desert, to their remarkable discovery of an extraordinary life along the hostile Skeleton Coast.
Country of Origin: Austria
WILL & LIANNE STEENKAMP, Directors
Country of Origin: Austria
WILL & LIANNE STEENKAMP, Directors
After more than a decade in the wildlife and environment television industry, Will and Lianne Steenkamp ventured on their own in 2009 and started on an adventurous journey that brought about character-led, behavioral driven wildlife films with captivating stories. Having received international recognition for their films including two Emmy nominations, Best of Festivals, and multiple awards, they continue to reach wide audiences. Their work has broadcasted worldwide on channels such as BBC, National Geographic, Smithsonian, ORF, Arte, WDR, NDR, RTL and many more.Will and Lianne, through their films aim to not only raise conservation awareness, but also to assist scientists and conservationists in the field. Their non-profit foundation (The Vanishing Kings Foundation www.vanishingkings.org) raises much needed funds for desert lion conservation and education, which also initiated and co-funded the first in-depth book about desert lion ecology, which Will & Lianne co-authored with lion biologist Dr Philip Stander. Lianne holds a BA degree in Audio Visual Studies from Utrecht University and Will a Master’s degree in Environmental Management from the University of the Free State.
Director Statement:
In crafting this film about three orphaned desert lion cubs in Namibia's Skeleton Coast, our vision was rooted in revealing a remarkable tale of resilience, adaptation, and the indomitable spirit of life against all odds. These lion cubs not only defied the harsh conditions of their environment but thrived in ways unforeseen, forging a unique existence in one of Earth's most relentless places.
Our narrative aims to transcend the conventional portrayal of lions as savannah dwellers, showcasing these extraordinary lions as pioneers of a new frontier. Their story unfolds not just as a survival saga but as a testament to the innate creativity and adaptive intelligence that evolution nurtures in the face of adversity.
At its heart, our film is a family story—a chronicle of sibling bonds and the collective strength of a pride, albeit how small, redefined by circumstances. Through their journey, we hope to inspire audiences with a narrative of hope and possibility, illustrating how even in the harshest landscapes, life finds a way to flourish with determination and ingenuity.
Beyond the charismatic appeal of these iconic lions, our film aspires to ignite a deeper understanding of their habitat, and in doing so foster the urgent need for conservation efforts. Our hope is that this intimate portrayal will stir empathy and action, prompting a commitment to safeguard our last wild places on the planet.
In essence, our film is a celebration of the extraordinary, a tribute to the untamed spirit of wild beings, and a call to embrace our role as stewards of the natural world. Through the lens of these orphaned lion cubs, we invite audiences on a transformative journey — a journey of discovery, empathy, and a renewed commitment to protect the wonders of our planet for generations to come.
Director Statement:
In crafting this film about three orphaned desert lion cubs in Namibia's Skeleton Coast, our vision was rooted in revealing a remarkable tale of resilience, adaptation, and the indomitable spirit of life against all odds. These lion cubs not only defied the harsh conditions of their environment but thrived in ways unforeseen, forging a unique existence in one of Earth's most relentless places.
Our narrative aims to transcend the conventional portrayal of lions as savannah dwellers, showcasing these extraordinary lions as pioneers of a new frontier. Their story unfolds not just as a survival saga but as a testament to the innate creativity and adaptive intelligence that evolution nurtures in the face of adversity.
At its heart, our film is a family story—a chronicle of sibling bonds and the collective strength of a pride, albeit how small, redefined by circumstances. Through their journey, we hope to inspire audiences with a narrative of hope and possibility, illustrating how even in the harshest landscapes, life finds a way to flourish with determination and ingenuity.
Beyond the charismatic appeal of these iconic lions, our film aspires to ignite a deeper understanding of their habitat, and in doing so foster the urgent need for conservation efforts. Our hope is that this intimate portrayal will stir empathy and action, prompting a commitment to safeguard our last wild places on the planet.
In essence, our film is a celebration of the extraordinary, a tribute to the untamed spirit of wild beings, and a call to embrace our role as stewards of the natural world. Through the lens of these orphaned lion cubs, we invite audiences on a transformative journey — a journey of discovery, empathy, and a renewed commitment to protect the wonders of our planet for generations to come.