Award winning Glasgow-based production company Maramedia have launched a premium docs label – MaraDocs debuting their first feature - A LIFE AMONG ELEPHANTS – the story of legendary elephant scientist Iain Douglas-Hamilton.
A contemporary of researchers Jane Goodall and Dian Fossey - Iain Douglas-Hamilton is regarded by many as the pioneer of behavioural field-based African elephant research. In fact, much of what we now know about elephant society and movements stems from his pioneering research in Tanzania in the 1960s. Douglas-Hamilton then swapped research for conservation when he led a passionate crusade against the ivory trade in the 70s and 80s and went on to set up global charity SAVE THE ELEPHANTS in the 1990s.
With exceptional access, newly discovered archive and emotional and passionate interviewees, the film follows Iain as he re-visits his action-packed life. It also features contributions from Jane Goodall herself and Iain’s daughter, TV presenter Saba Douglas-Hamilton.
Link to trail: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nT2Nml6E5o0
The film will be shown in France and in Germany on ARTE’s prestigious prime-time documentary strand later in 2024 and will be rolled out globally through Munich-based distributor Autentic.
Director is Nigel Pope, with Jackie Savery and Justin Purefoy executive-producing. Score is by Glasgow-based composer Fraser Purdie. The film is also supported through Save the Elephants led by Nairobi-based Frank Pope.
The MaraDocs label is a joint venture with long term associate Justin Purefoy and his company City Fox. Also in development under the venture is the Screen Scotland backed feature doc “Finding Juba” which documents Purefoy’s emotional search to find a lost chimp in war-torn South Sudan.
Director Nigel Pope said - “As a wildlife filmmaker, I’ve always been passionate about elephants and their conservation. I hope this film inspires the audience with insights into their lives through pioneering science alongside Iain’s remarkable life story. “
Arte said – “ARTE is pleased to be involved in the production of the documentary and to broadcast the portrait of this extraordinary man, passionate about elephants, whose discoveries have transformed our understanding of these majestic creatures.”
Dani Carlaw - Head of unscripted Screen Scotland said “The launch of MaraDocs is a welcome boost to Scotland’s ongoing commitment to documentary making. Screen Scotland looks forward to further expanding our relationship with all at Maramedia in both development and production, particularly as they expand their impressive international portfolio. “
Mirjam Strasser (Head of Sales and Acquisitions at Autentic) said -
"We are thrilled to collaborate with Maramedia on A LIFE AMONG ELEPHANTS. The film not only celebrates Iain Douglas-Hamilton’s remarkable life story but also sheds light on vital conservation efforts. We look forward to sharing this inspiring and impactful documentary with audiences across the globe."
„Wir freuen uns sehr über die Zusammenarbeit mit Maramedia und darauf, diesen eindrucksvollen und inspirierenden Dokumentarfilm mit Zuschauer*innen auf der ganzen Welt zu teilen. LIFE AMONG ELEPHANTS würdigt nicht nur die bemerkenswerte Lebensgeschichte von Iain Douglas-Hamilton, sondern verdeutlicht, wie dringend notwendig es ist, unsere Natur zu schützen.“
photo credit: Oria Douglas-Hamilton
