Alamto, a Reptile Wonderland (2014)

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Alamto, a Reptile Wonderland (2014)

For the first time ever, this riveting documentary shows a wonderland in Ilam where rare reptiles are living. The film shows these exotic species trying to survive on the planet for more time

Embark on a captivating journey into the heart of Iran’s unique biodiversity with Alamto: A Reptile Wonderland. This extraordinary documentary takes you deep into the rugged landscapes of Ilam, where the ancient Zagros Mountains have shaped a habitat unlike any other on earth.

In this land of extremes, a remarkable variety of rare and exotic reptiles thrive, adapting to the harsh climatic conditions and challenging terrain. Among them is one of the most mysterious creatures ever caught on camera: the Spider-tailed Horned Viper. For the first time, this elusive viper is showcased in stunning detail, revealing its fascinating behavior and struggle for survival.

Alamto: A Reptile Wonderland is more than just a wildlife documentary; it is a breathtaking exploration of nature’s resilience. Filmed in the western reaches of Iran, this film offers an unprecedented glimpse into a world where rare species fight against the odds to continue their existence. Prepare to be amazed by the extraordinary wildlife that calls this wonderland home.

ABU 2015
Istanbul, Turkey
October 30, 2015
Best Feature Documentary Award

Japan Prize 2015
Tokyo, Japan
October 15, 2015
Official Selection

Wildlife Conservation Film Festival
New York City, USA
October 24, 2015
Official Selection

International Cinema Verite Film Festival
Tehran, Iran
December 1, 2014
The Grand Prize

Green Screen Film Festival
Germany
September 10, 2015
Official Selection

Iran’s House of Cinema Ceremony
Tehran, Iran
September 1, 2014
The Best Researcher & The Best Photography & The Best Original Music

International Fadjr Film Festival
Tehran, Iran
December 1, 2014
Nominated for the Best Film, The Best Researcher, and The Best Technical Achievement

International Tehran Short Film Festival
Tehran, Iran
October 1, 2014
The Best Photography & The Best Director

International Roshd Film Festival
Tehran, Iran
September 25, 2014
The Best Documentary Film & Iran’s Department of Environment’s Prize

Ahvaz International Science Film Festival
Ahvaz, Iran
February 1, 2015
The Best Director

Iranian Society of Critics and Writers
Tehran, Iran
December 14, 2014
The Best Documentary Film Award

Nature Vision Film Festival
Ludwigzburg, Germany
July 25, 2015

Trailer

Gallery and News

Poster of Alamto, a Reptile Wonderland movie
Poster of Alamto, a Reptile Wonderland movie

Director

Fathollah Amiri is a highly acclaimed Iranian documentary filmmaker specializing in environmental and wildlife films. With over two decades of experience, Amiri has produced numerous documentaries that explore the rich biodiversity of Iran and raise awareness about critical environmental issues. His work has earned him over 50 national and 20 international awards, cementing his reputation as one of Iran’s leading environmental filmmakers.

Amiri’s film Ranger and Leopard received the prestigious Green Screen award in Germany in 2018. His documentary Vortex won the top prize at the 33rd Sondrio Festival in Italy in 2019. Amiri has also served as a jury member for esteemed festivals, including the Matsalu Nature Film Festival in Estonia (2019) and the Sondrio Environmental Film Festival in Italy (2020).

In Iran, Amiri has been recognized with some of the country’s most significant awards, including the Crystal Simorgh for Best Feature Documentary at the Fajr International Film Festival in 2011 for In Search of the Iranian Leopard. He also won the Grand Prize at the Cinema Verite Festival in 2014 for Life in Cold Veins and received multiple Cypress Awards at the Jam-e Jam TV Festival for works like Reptiles of Iran (2013) and The Ranger and the Leopard (2018).

Amiri holds a Master’s degree in Documentary Production from IRIB University and continues to be a prominent voice in Iranian cinema, inspiring global audiences with his thought-provoking films on wildlife and environmental conservation.

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Director's Statement:

The journey of creating ‘Alamto, a Reptile Wonderland’ began with a spark of curiosity, ignited by a single conversation that changed my perspective on wildlife forever. When Mr. Abdali from the Iranian Department of Environment first mentioned the existence of the Spider-tailed Viper, I was intrigued. The idea of bringing this mysterious creature and the unique reptiles of Ilam to the world fascinated me.

The first time I witnessed the Spider-tailed Viper in its natural habitat, I was in awe. Missing the perfect shot during its hunt was disheartening, but it fueled my determination to capture that moment—and eventually, we did. My ultimate goal with this film has always been to raise awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation. ‘Alamto, a Reptile Wonderland’ has already played a part in protecting this unique species and the rich biodiversity of Ilam.

The process of making this film has not only deepened my connection to nature but also inspired me to continue documenting the untold stories of Iran’s wildlife. I look forward to creating more films that will bring these hidden treasures to light. I hope ‘Alamto, a Reptile Wonderland’ inspires you to appreciate the wonders of nature and to play your part in preserving our planet’s fragile ecosystems.

Streaming

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Film Specifications

Credits:

  • Director: Fathollah Amiri
  • Writer: Fathollah Amiri, Dr. Behzad Fathinia
  • Producer: Fathollah Amiri
  • Cameraman: Mehdi Noor Mohammadi, Mahmoud Mansoori
  • Original Music: Babak Mirzakhani
  • Editor: Majid Mohammaddoust
  • Sound Design: Majid Mohammaddoust
  • Production: Wildlife Pictures intitute
  • Produced in: IRIB ILAM Channel

Technical:

  • Project Type: Documentary, Feature
  • Runtime: 52 minutes
  • Completion Date: February 1, 2014
  • Country of Filming: Iran, Islamic Republic of
  • Language: English
  • Shooting Format: Digital 1080p
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Film Color: Color

Film Roadmap & Milestones

Production (2010 – 2014)
Post-Production (2014)
Film Festival Circuit (2014 – 2016)
Press & Media Coverage (2014 – 2022)

TV Distribution (2016 – Ongoing)
Selling Uncut Film Clips (2018 – Ongoing)
Free Release of Film Footage (2030)
Open Access to the Film (2035)

Contact & Request

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