Stealing Giants
Switzerland, October 2024
FILM,
Documentary,
88 min.
- directed by
- Karl Ammann, Laurin Merz
- Written by
- Laurin Merz, Karl Ammann
- Status
- In distribution
An unsparing look at the world of animal smuggling, where it is even possible to fly live elephants around on a grand scale. Animal activist and filmmaker Karl Ammann has been documenting the illegal wildlife trade for decades. Accompanied by director Laurin Merz, the investigative journey takes him to Namibia, from where 22 elephants are captured and transported by cargo plane to zoos in the United Arab Emirates. Ammann and Merz also film the illegal elephant trade from Laos to China: the gigantic animals march across the green border to their doom. In the Chinese zoos, the actually proud elephants play football, darts and xylophone; an illegal business with no moral boundaries. The film shows this cruel demimonde in which corruption prevails and anything is possible with money. At the same time, the grey giants are given a voice in the film and the audience is left with a trace of hope
credits
- World Premiere
- October 2024
- Original Version
- English (english subtitles), colour, DCP, 88 min.
- ISAN
- 0000-0006-EA69-0000-M-0000-0000-8
- Production
- HOOK Film & Kultur Produktion GmbH
- Producer
- directed by
- Karl Ammann, Laurin Merz
- Written by
- Laurin Merz, Karl Ammann
- Cinematography
- David Röthlisberger
- Editing
- Petra Beck
- Location Sound Mix
- Laurin Merz
- Sound Design
- Roman Vehlken
- Re-Recording Mix
- Roman Vehlken
- Music
- Nils Kacirek
World Sales / World Rights
- World Sales
- Mediawan Rights
Festivals
(a selection)
-
Zurich, 20. Zurich Film Festival
03.10.2024 - 13.10.2024