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Deep Dive: The Elephant Queen (2019)

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The Elephant Queen
The Elephant Queen follows a family of elephants led by matriarch Athena as they navigate the challenges posed by a drought in the African savannah. The film captures the herd's struggle to leave their waterhole and travel 200 miles to find another source of water. Athena faces a difficult decision regarding her newborn, Mimi, as she must choose between waiting for her to gain strength or moving on to ensure the safety of the herd. The film features a variety of animal characters, including bullfrogs and chameleons, living in symbiotic harmony within their environment. Directors Victoria Stone and Mark Deeble spent over four years filming the elephants in Tsavo East National Park, Kenya, aiming to tell a story centered on female leadership and the bonds of motherhood within the herd.

Why Watch

  • •Follow Athena's leadership in the herd.
  • •See the impact of drought on wildlife.
  • •Meet unique animal characters in the savannah.

Did You Know

•Athena, the matriarch, is 50 years old.
•The herd must travel 200 miles (320 km) to find the next waterhole.
•The film premiered on 8 September 2018 at the Toronto International Film Festival.
•Chiwetel Ejiofor narrates the film, adding a distinctive voice to the story.

Perfect For

Animal documentariesNature enthusiastsFamily storytelling