In Search for the Persian Leopard (2011)

In Search for the Persian Leopard

“A Six-Year Journey to Capture the Elusive Persian Leopard”

In Search of the Persian Leopard captures the relentless pursuit of a dedicated team of researchers and filmmakers led by Fathollah Amiri, as they embark on a six-year journey through the rugged Alborz Mountains to document the rare and endangered Persian leopard. Battling harsh terrain, isolation, and the challenge of locating a creature on the brink of extinction, their mission is driven by a deep love for Iran’s wildlife and an urgent need to protect it.

This breathtaking documentary goes beyond wildlife observation—it’s a story of passion and perseverance, capturing rare glimpses of a majestic predator whose existence hangs by a thread. As the team edges closer to success, a sudden, unforeseen crisis threatens to undo everything they’ve sacrificed for.

In a powerful narrative filled with suspense and raw beauty, In Search of the Persian Leopard reminds us of the fragility of nature and the unwavering determination of those fighting to save it. This is more than a film—it’s a call to action, a tribute to nature’s resilience, and a testament to the spirit of discovery.

International Fadjr Film Festival
Tehran
Iran, Islamic Republic of
February 9, 2012
Crystal Simorq for the Best Documentary Film

 

Jahorina International Film Festival
Bosnia and Herzegovina
September 30, 2012
The Silver Genian Prize for the Best Environmental Documentary Film

 

Wildlife Conservation Film Festival
New York
United States
September 24, 2015
The Best Foreign Feature Film

 

12th Tegernsee Mountain Film Festival
Munich
Germany
October 23, 2014
The Best Mountain Film

 

International Cinema Verite Film Festival
Tehran
Iran, Islamic Republic of
December 14, 2012
The Best Feature Environment Film

 

XVII International TV Festival Bar
Montenegro
October 26, 2012
Official Selection

 

9th Al Jazeera International Documentary Film Festival
Doha
Qatar
April 21, 2012
Official Selection

 

Ekotop Film Festival
Slovakia
December 14, 2012
Official Selection

 

Sunchild Environmental Film Festival
Yerevan
Armenia
December 14, 2013
Official Selection

 

Trailer

Gallery & Behind the Scenes

In search for Persian leopard poster

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.

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Film Specifications

Credits:

  • Director: Fathollah Amiri
  • Writer: Fathollah Amiri, Dr. Bagher Nezami Balouchi
  • Producer: Fathollah Amiri
  • Cinematographers: Dr. Bagher Nezami Balouchi, Morteza Eslami Dehkordi
  • Researchers: Dr. Bagher Nezami Balouchi, Mohammad Sadegh Farhadinia
  • Editor: Majid Mohammaddoust
  • Festival Distributor: Majid Mohammaddoust
  • Production: Wildlife Pictures intitute

Technical:

  • Project Type: Documentary, Feature
  • Runtime: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Completion Date: February 1, 2011
  • Language: Persian, English (sub)
  • Shooting Format: Digital, 1080 50i
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Film Color: Color

Film Roadmap & Milestones

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abbas@souzian.com