Film Lens
This documentary focuses on the intersection of wildlife conservation and traditional practices, particularly in China. It features personal anecdotes from a storyteller who reflects on their family's use of wildlife products, such as manta ray gills and rhino horn, and the cultural context behind these choices. The film emphasizes the need for nuanced conversations about wildlife consumption and the impact of demand on species extinction, particularly due to Chinese markets.
The film also shows the work being done at Gorongosa National Park, where ecologist Dominique Gonsalves discusses the success of wildlife restoration efforts. The park has seen its animal population grow from 10,000 to 100,000 over the last decade, illustrating a model for not only restoring wildlife but also improving the lives of local communities. The documentary calls for empathy and collaboration in addressing environmental crises, inviting diverse voices to participate in conservation solutions.
Why Watch
- •Meet Dominique Gonsalves, a National Geographic fellow.
- •Find out how traditional medicine impacts wildlife conservation.
- •See the wildlife restoration success at Gorongosa National Park.
Did You Know
•Gorongosa National Park's animal population increased from 10,000 to 100,000 in a decade.
•The storyteller's aunt had a small nub of rhino horn for a thyroid problem.
•Sea horses were sold in large quantities at a market in Guangzhou.
Perfect For
Wildlife conservation advocatesFans of traditional medicineEnvironmental policy makers