A co-production between the Natural History Unit (NHU) Africa and Animal Planet, The Search for the Knysna Elephants will be screened at the Labia, Kloof Street, Cape Town from 30 October to 5 November. Made by Mark van Wijk, this uniquely South African tale shows how Knysna elephants seem to have brought themselves back from the very brink of extinction.
The film follows wildlife expert Gareth Patterson on his quest to study the ghosts of the Knysna forest. Contrary to the belief that only one Knysna elephant still existed, Patterson soon discovered the presence of other, previously unknown, elephants.
Patterson learns about the elusive elephants by conducting DNA testing of the elephant’s dung, diet analysis, placement of remote cameras and by covering thousands of kilometres on foot in the forest and on the foothills of the mountains. The dedicated work of Patterson and two highly skilled trackers, Wilfred Oraai and Karel Maswatie, together with Hylton Herd of SANParks, reveal surprising discoveries about the elephants that many experts had previously not uncovered.
For Mark van Wijk it was an expedition of a lifetime. He says: “Tracking for days in the forest was an incredible experience, and despite physical challenges of carrying camera gear, I was continually filled with a sense of awe as we journeyed deeper into the mystical forest.’
Patterson and Van Wijk started developing the film in 2002 and in 2007 it was commissioned by NHU AFRICA. Sophie Vartan, commissioning editor comments: “The story attracted me right from the start. I also wanted to know more about the Knysna elephants, and we went all out to capture these elusive creatures on film.’
Packed with outstanding cinematography, this 52-minute documentary contains exclusive footage of the Knysna elephants and makes for a fascinating watch as some of the mysteries of the Knysna forest are brought to light.
Screenings will run from Friday 30 October to Thursday 5 November, twice a day, 14h15 and 18h15 at the Labia, Kloof street. For bookings call 021 424 5927, tickets are R20 per person.
