Two monkeys sit on a small rock adorned with mussels and seaweed, partially submerged in clear waters near Cape Town. One monkey faces forward, eating, while the other looks away. The sky is clear with a few clouds, capturing the essence of wild wildlife, and some distant land is visible.

Wild Cape Town

Conservation·2 x 50 min·In Development

'Wild Cape Town' unveils a stunning clash of urban life, extreme sports, and resilient wildlife in a city where nature and adventure thrive together.

Factsheet
Genre
Conservation
Nature & Wildlife
Duration
2 × 50 min
Definition
4K
Audio
5.1
Status
In Development
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Synopsis

As the global trend of rewilding and reconnecting with nature gains momentum, WILD CAPE TOWN stands out as a celebration of a city that has long embraced its wild side. WILD CAPE TOWN is a visually stunning and emotionally gripping documentary series that delves into the symbiotic relationship between the human inhabitants of Cape Town and the diverse wildlife that shares their urban space. With breath-taking cinematography and compelling storytelling, this two-part series captures the drama, struggles, and humorous encounters that unfold daily in this iconic corner of the planet.

The series takes viewers on a journey through the rugged allure of Cape Town, showcasing how the city’s wildlife not only survives but sometimes thrives among its 5 million human residents. From caracals and baboons to leopards, whales, sharks, otters, porcupines, and black eagles, the resilience of these creatures is portrayed as a thing of pure beauty. The documentary promises to unveil their stories – the good, the bad, and the comical – shedding light on the extraordinary lives led by these animals.

What sets Cape Town apart is its unique embrace of its wild side, establishing it as a global hub for outdoor and extreme sports. Beyond its dramatic coastline, mountain ranges, pristine beaches, and the challenges posed by fierce storms, floods, fires, and droughts, Cape Town has become a haven for adventure enthusiasts. From big wave surfing and mountain biking to rock climbing, kayaking, base jumping, paragliding, freediving, and trail running, among other pursuits, the city offers a diverse playground for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike. These sports not only bring humans closer to the city’s wild side but also provide plenty of opportunities for close encounters with the wild animals they share the urban landscape with.

People choose to live here not only for the open access to wild spaces but also for the unparalleled opportunities to engage in these exhilarating sports, fostering a unique connection between humans and the untamed beauty of nature. The series captures the daily dance between humans and creatures, showcasing not only the wildness of nature but also the dynamic spirit of a city that seamlessly integrates extreme sports with its diverse wildlife.

The documentary is not only a visual feast but also benefits from the expertise of an internationally experienced filmmaking team based in Cape Town. Living in the city enables them to capture rare golden moments that define documentary films. The team is deeply engaged with top ecologists and experts studying the key animal characters in the series, ensuring a nuanced understanding that adds a unique flavour to the storytelling.

Team

Produced and directed by Katharina Pechel, Diana Keam and Wayne de Lange
Executive producers Katharina Pechel, Sabine Holzer
Production companies A co-production of Table Mountain Films, Silver Bullet Films, Terra Mater Studios and Doclights / NDR Naturfilm
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