Houbara (2020)

Houbara

An eye-opening documentary that delves into the plight of the Houbara Bustard (Chlamydotis macqueenii), a bird highly esteemed by hunters and falconers across the Persian Gulf nations. Over the past decades, relentless hunting and live capture have drastically reduced their numbers, making them one of the most vulnerable and endangered species in Iran and around the world. This film explores the cultural significance of the Houbara Bustard, the challenges it faces due to human activities, and the urgent need for conservation efforts to save this majestic bird from extinction.

Iran International Documentary Film Festival, Cinema Verite
Tehran
Iran, Islamic Republic of
October 1, 2020
Best Editing Award

 

45th International Wildlife Film Festival (IWFF)
Missoula, Montana
United States
April 28, 2022
North American Premiere
Official Selection

 

20th Wildlife Vaasa Festival – International Nature Film Festival
Vaasa
Finland
September 28, 2022
Best Environment & Conservation Film

 

38th Ménigoute International Film Festival
Ménigoute
France
October 27, 2022
France Premiere
Official Selection

 

25th Gran Paradiso Film Festival
Cogne
Italy
July 29, 2022
Official Selection

 

36th Sondrio Film Festival
Sondrio
Italy
October 29, 2022
Official Selection

 

20th MAFF | Matsalu Nature Film Festival
Lihula
Estonia
September 21, 2022
Grand Prix and Best Director

 

S.O.F.A Film Festival
Cyprus
October 1, 2022
Official Selection

Trailer

Gallery & Behind the Scenes

Latest News and Reviews

Here are some of the latest news articles and reviews about ‘Ranger and Leopard’ Stay updated on the film’s journey across media and festivals.

Director

Fathollah Amiri

Director and Producer

Fathollah Amiri is a renowned documentary filmmaker with a distinguished career focusing on the environment and wildlife of Iran. He has garnered significant recognition on the international stage, including serving as a judge at prestigious environmental film festivals such as the Matsalu Nature Film Festival in Estonia in 2019 and the Sondrio Festival of Environmental Films in Italy in 2020.

Amiri has won over 50 national awards and 20 international awards for his various works. Notable achievements include the Crystal Simorgh for Best Feature Documentary in 2011 for "In Search of the Iranian Leopard," the Grand Prize for Best Film at the Cinema Verite Festival in 2014 for "Life in Cold Veins," the Cypress Award for Best Documentary Series at the Jam-e Jam TV Festival in 2013 for producing the series "Reptiles of Iran," the Cypress Award for Best Documentary Director at the Jam-e Jam TV Festival in 2018 for "The Ranger and the Leopard," and the Best Documentary Award at the National Student Film Festival for "Life in Eclipse."

One of his most significant accomplishments is winning the prestigious "Wildscreen" award, known as the Green Oscar, for his film "In the Realm of the Spider-Tailed Viper."

His recent works include "In the Whirlpool of Extinction," "Houbara," and "The Gamekeeper."

Fathollah Amiri holds a Master's degree in Documentary Production from the IRIB University and is a member of the Iranian Documentary Filmmakers Association, the Iranian Documentary Cinema Producers Association, and the Environmental Committee of IRIB.

Nima Asgari

Director

Leading Iranian Wildlife Documentary Filmmaker

Nima Asgari is a distinguished Iranian documentary filmmaker celebrated for his captivating and impactful wildlife films that bring attention to the importance of environmental conservation. With a solid background in environmental science, Asgari seamlessly blends his technical knowledge with artistic storytelling to create compelling documentaries that have earned international acclaim.

Notable Works:

  • Operation Leopard: This groundbreaking documentary offers a rare glimpse into the world of the elusive Iranian leopard, focusing on its natural behaviors and the challenges of conservation efforts in its native habitat. The film’s unique approach provides an intimate portrayal of one of Iran’s most endangered species.
  • Ranger and Leopard: Awarded the top prize at the 21st Gran Paradiso Film Festival in Italy and the prestigious Jackson Hole Award in the USA, this film intricately explores the bond between park rangers and the Iranian leopard. Through personal stories and real-life encounters, it highlights the essential conservation efforts required to protect this majestic animal.
  • Houbara: This documentary delves into the life of the Houbara bustard, an iconic bird species in Iran. By addressing the critical threats of illegal hunting and trafficking, the film advocates for sustainable conservation practices, shedding light on the need for awareness and action to protect vulnerable species.
  • Warden: Focusing on an environmental expert’s dedication to increasing wildlife populations in the central Alborz mountains, “Warden” provides an in-depth look at the challenges and triumphs of conservation work. It captures the spirit and determination needed to preserve Iran’s natural heritage.
  • Wild Moments of Iran: A comprehensive 25-episode series showcasing Iran’s diverse and unique wildlife, narrated by dedicated park rangers who share their first-hand experiences and observations. This series is a celebration of Iran’s natural beauty and the people committed to its preservation.

Awards and Honors:

  • Jackson Hole Award, USA: First Prize in the Human and Nature category for “Ranger and Leopard.”
  • Green Screen Award, Germany: Honored for “Ranger and Leopard,” reinforcing Asgari’s status as a prominent voice in wildlife documentary filmmaking.

Style and Approach:

Nima Asgari’s documentaries are renowned for their authenticity, rare footage, and a strong narrative focus on pressing environmental issues. His work is designed to educate, inspire, and motivate audiences about the importance of preserving endangered species and their habitats, serving as a powerful call to action for environmental stewardship.

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Film Specifications

Credits:

  • Director: Fathollah Amiri, Nima Asgari
  • Writer: Fathollah Amiri, Nima Asgari
  • Producer: Mohammad Ala
  • Cinematographer: Nima Asgari
  • Researchers: Mohammad Ibrahim Sehati Sabet
  • Original Music: Babak Mirzakhani
  • Sound Recorder: Arash Moharami
  • Sound Mixer: Behrooz Moavenian, Erfan Ibrahimi
  • Color Correction: Mehrdad Shokri, Morteza Moghadasi
  • Production: Wildlife Pictures intitute

Technical:

  • Project Type: Documentary, Feature
  • Genres: Wildlife, human and nature, environment
  • Runtime: 1 hour 3 minutes
  • Completion Date: October 1, 2020
  • Country of Filming: Iran, Islamic Republic of, Qatar
  • Language: Persian
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Film Color: Color
  • First-time Filmmaker: No
  • Student Project: No

Film Roadmap & Milestones

Contact & Request

abbas@souzian.com