Lions of the Skeleton Coast
Finalist

Lions of the Skeleton Coast

Luukereranniku lõvid

2024

2024
Entry 24-793 | Netherlands Austria | 2024 | 52’ | Language: English | Subtitles: Estonian
Original title: Geister der Wüste - Die Löwen der Skelettküste

A true coming-of-age story about three orphaned desert lion cubs who discovered a most remarkable way of survival along the mystical shores of Namibia’s Skeleton Coast. A story as surprising as it is inspiring: a true-life drama about resilience and survival. Documented over eight years, we follow the ground-breaking work of lion researcher Dr Philip Stander as he witnesses the orphaned cubs’ incredible journey, from their first unsteady steps in the heart of the desert, to their remarkable discovery of an extraordinary life along the hostile Skeleton Coast.

Director Will and Lianne Steenkamp  | Cinematography  Will and Lianne Steenkamp | Editing  Alan Miller BFE | Composer  Roman Kariolou | Producer  Will and Lianne Steenkamp | Production Company  Into Nature Productions | Original Title  Geister der Wüste - Die Löwen der Skelettküste
Geister der Wüste - Die Löwen der Skelettküste
Geister der Wüste - Die Löwen der Skelettküste
Geister der Wüste - Die Löwen der Skelettküste

2024
Best Cinematography
Masterfully composed shots that highlight both the wild and harshly beautiful landscapes of the region as well as the film’s main characters – the lions. The skill of the camerawork is most evident in the intimate and close-up captures of the animals' behavior, offering the viewer a rare glimpse into the lions' struggle for survival in one of the world’s most unforgiving desert regions. The play of light and shadow on the desert dunes creates a poetic contrast, emphasizing the fragility of survival. Breathtaking aerial shots provide an overview of the vast and often desolate areas of the Skeleton Coast. Over the years of filming, the cinematographers have successfully captured both the power and vulnerability of the lions, blending the beauty and danger of nature into a single frame. With perfect timing and carefully thought-out camera angles, the film’s visuals take the viewer straight into the heart of the action, making the entire viewing experience highly immersive and enjoyable.

2024
Grand Prix
This captivating film is more than just a story about wild lions, it is a deeply moving story about the connection between man and nature. The film beautifully highlights the natural ability of animals to adapt to an ever-changing world where survival requires both physical and mental endurance. Lion researcher dr. Philip Stander's relationship with these amazing creatures is deeply personal. As a result of decades of research, he sees them not just as animals, but as family members, whose every struggle and joy is reflected in his own feelings. It is a masterfully told deeply universal story that highlights the adaptability of animals as the most powerful weapon for survival. It is an intimate journey where joy, sadness, hope and despair alternate. Human emotions are reflected in the gazes and body language of lions - from the pain of loss to the birth of a new life, from the joy of survival to the urgent need for adaptability in the face of a changing world. Lions of the Skeleton Coast is a deeply inspiring story of adaptability and perseverance, and a beautiful and moving reminder of life's beauty and pain.
Director Will and Lianne Steenkamp
Cinematography Will and Lianne Steenkamp
Editing Alan Miller BFE
Composer Roman Kariolou
Producer Will and Lianne Steenkamp
Production Company Into Nature Productions
Original Title Geister der Wüste - Die Löwen der Skelettküste
Entry Number 24-793
Country of Production
Netherlands Austria
Year of Production 2024
Running Time 52’
Language: English
Subtitles: Estonian

Film recommendations

Supporters

Raudsepa maastikuhooldus
KIK
Nissan
Austrian Embassy
Elixir OÜ
WD
Lihula Muusika- ja Kunstikool
Lääneranna Gümnaasium
Rootsi Suursaatkond
Flandria Instituut
Keskkonnaamet
Tšehhi Suursaatkond
Viljandi Kultuuriakadeemia
Öökulli akadeemia
RMK
Lihula raamatukogu
Ehemeri
Tuulingu Birdwatching Paradise
Vesta Värkstuba
Von Hauer
Kvaliteetaken
Sihtasutus Läänemaa
Kliimaministeerium
COOP Lihula
Raudsepa maastikuhooldus
KIK
Nissan
Austrian Embassy
Elixir OÜ
WD
Lihula Muusika- ja Kunstikool
Lääneranna Gümnaasium
Rootsi Suursaatkond
Flandria Instituut
Keskkonnaamet
Tšehhi Suursaatkond
Viljandi Kultuuriakadeemia
Öökulli akadeemia
RMK
Lihula raamatukogu
Ehemeri
Tuulingu Birdwatching Paradise
Vesta Värkstuba
Von Hauer
Kvaliteetaken
Sihtasutus Läänemaa
Kliimaministeerium
COOP Lihula
Luha pagar
Lääneranna muuseum
ETV2
EELK Karuse Margareeta Kogudus
Nurmsi taluresto
Utilitas
Sakste maja
RASK
GreenCube
Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany
Tapamaja galerii
Wood Meadow Life
Integratsiooni sihtasutus
Eesti Kultuurkapital
Eesti Filmi Instituut
Karuse Mälumäng 49
Prantsuse instituut
Lääneranna Kultuuri- ja Noortekeskus
Eesti keele maja
Olive kosmeetika
Matsalu Loodusfilmide Festival
Overall
Tallinn Zoo
Pärnumaa omavalitsuste liit
Luha pagar
Lääneranna muuseum
ETV2
EELK Karuse Margareeta Kogudus
Nurmsi taluresto
Utilitas
Sakste maja
RASK
GreenCube
Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany
Tapamaja galerii
Wood Meadow Life
Integratsiooni sihtasutus
Eesti Kultuurkapital
Eesti Filmi Instituut
Karuse Mälumäng 49
Prantsuse instituut
Lääneranna Kultuuri- ja Noortekeskus
Eesti keele maja
Olive kosmeetika
Matsalu Loodusfilmide Festival
Overall
Tallinn Zoo
Pärnumaa omavalitsuste liit