Mountain Gorilla: A Shattered Kingdom
(1996)
On the forested volcanic slopes of Zaire’s Virunga National Park, award-winning wildlife photographer Bruce Davidson explores the fascinating world of the mountain gorilla. Filmed over seven years, with hours of patient field observation, this production provides an incredible glimpse into the daily lives of these charismatic primates, recording behaviour never before captured on film.
Stunning cinematography charts their bickering, jealous mood swings and the ongoing drama of family births and deaths. An amazing insight into the personalities and social psychology of these highly intelligent creatures, Mountain Gorilla: A Shattered Kingdom won the Animal Portrait category at Wildscreen 1996.
This intimate portrayal of nature’s gentle giants also highlights the threats they face from nearby political turbulence. As Rwandan refugees encroach on the gorillas’ natural habitat in search of wood, Davidson provides a poignant portrayal of these remarkable creatures, majestic in their threatened land.
