In the Realm of the Spider-tailed Viper (2018)

In the Realm of the Spider-tailed Viper

The Enigmatic Discovery of the Spider-Tailed Horned Viper

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

Gallery & Behind the Scenes

In the Realm of the Spider-tailed Viper 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
  • Producer: Fathollah Amiri, Bagher Nezami
  • Cinematographer: Nima Asgari
  • Editor: Sadegh Rezania
  • Post Production: Majid Mohammaddoust
  • Special Agent: Pauline Mazenod [link]
  • Production: Wildlife Pictures intitute

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

Contact & Request

abbas@souzian.com