In the Realm of the Spider-tailed Viper (2018)
A film by:
In the Realm of the Spider-tailed Viper (2018)
In the Realm of the Spider-Tailed Viper follows the gripping adventure of wildlife filmmaker Fathollah Amiri and biologist Dr. Behzad Fathinia as they delve into the wilderness of western Iran in search of the Spider-Tailed Horned Viper. This one-of-a-kind snake, boasting a tail that mimics a spider’s movements, uses its extraordinary appendage to lure and hunt insect-eating birds with unparalleled skill. Known as the most evolved viper on Earth, it is a marvel of nature—and one of Iran’s rarest treasures.
But this film is more than a search for a rare creature; it’s a tale of transformation. Along the way, the team meets Mahmoud, a local farmer who once hunted the viper yet undergoes a remarkable change. Through his connection with the film team, Mahmoud transforms from predator to protector, resisting lucrative offers from collectors and choosing instead to preserve this incredible species.
Against breathtaking aerial shots of the viper’s gypsum cliff habitat and the intense emotions of discovery, In the Realm of the Spider-Tailed Viper reveals the power of conservation, resilience, and local dedication. This documentary serves as both a call to protect Iran’s wildlife and a celebration of one man’s journey to redemption.
Brace yourself for a story of courage, mystery, and survival—where the stakes are high, and the outcome is anything but certain.
Wildscreen Panda Award 2018
Bristol
United Kingdom
October 22, 2018
World Premiere
Emerging Talent Panda Award
Ménigout Film Festival
Ménigout
France
November 1, 2019
Région Nouvelle-aquitaine de la Créavité
Gran Paradiso Film Festival 2019
Cogne
Italy
Italian Premier
WWF Italy Award
Natur-vision 2019
Ludwigzurg
Germany
July 13, 2019
German Premier
Nominated for the Best Film
Green Screen 2019
Eckernförde
Germany
September 11, 2019
Official Selection
IDFA Docs for Sale 2018
Amsterdam
Netherlands
Docs for Sale
Wildlife Film Festival Rotterdam (WFFR)
Rotterdam
Netherlands
October 30, 2019
Official Selection
International Ecological Film Festival TO SAVE AND PRESERVE
Russian Federation
June 2, 2019
Russian Premiere
Official Selection
Phoenix Film Festival Melbourne
Melbourne
Australia
June 2, 2019
Australian Premiere
Official Nominations
Trailer
Director
- Director, Producer
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.
(more…)Director's Statement:
In the Realm of the Spider-Tailed Viper is a story about the delicate balance between humanity and nature. As a filmmaker, my goal was not just to showcase the enigmatic beauty of the Spider-Tailed Horned Viper but to highlight the transformative power of conservation. Witnessing Mahmoud, a local farmer, evolve from a hunter into a devoted guardian of this rare species reaffirmed my belief that meaningful change is possible when awareness and empathy intersect.
Through this documentary, I wanted to inspire viewers to see beyond the surface—to understand the intricate connections between species, habitats, and human choices. My hope is that this film encourages not only local communities but everyone to become protectors of nature, cherishing its wonders while working together to preserve them for future generations.
Streaming
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Film Specifications
Credits:
- Director: Fathollah Amiri
- Writer: Fathollah Amiri, Dr. Bagher Nezami
- Producer: Fathollah Amiri, Bagher Nezami
- Cinematographer: Nima Asgari
- Editor: Sadegh Rezania
- Post Production: Majid Mohammaddoust
- Special Agent: Pauline Mazenod [link]
- Production: Wildlife Pictures institute
Technical:
- Project Type: Documentary, Feature
- Runtime: 50 minutes
- Completion Date: March 1, 2019
- Language: Persian
- Shooting Format: Digital Full HD
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Film Color: Color
Film Roadmap & Milestones
Production (2014 – 2019)
Post-Production (2019)
Film Festival Circuit (2019 – 2021)
Press & Media Coverage (2019)
TV Distribution (2020 – Ongoing)
Selling Uncut Film Clips (2021 – Ongoing)
Free Release of Film Footage (2030)
Open Access to the Film (2035)
- Production (2014 - 2019)
- Post-Production (2019)
- Film Festival Circuit (2019 - 2021)
- Press & Media Coverage (2019)
- Free Release of Film Footage (2030)
- Open Access to the Film (2035)
Contact & Request
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Quick Links
Get In Touch
- mail: abbas@souzian.com
- Phone: +90-538-378-77-03
- Address: Pärnu mnt. 139c, 11317, Tallinn