Ranger and Leopard (2017)
A film by:
Ranger and Leopard (2017)
In the rugged mountains of Isfahan, “Halvani,” a seasoned ranger, is on a mission to prove the presence of the elusive Persian leopard in his protected area. For forty years, no one has spotted this rare creature, yet Halvani is convinced that signs of its existence remain. This belief turns into a relentless quest—he must challenge doubt and time itself to uncover the truth.
Is the leopard real, or just a figment of Halvani’s imagination? “Ranger and Leopard” takes viewers on an exhilarating journey through Iran’s wild landscapes, capturing Halvani’s tireless efforts to prove what seems impossible.
As nature rapidly changes and endangered species vanish, “Ranger and Leopard” delves into profound questions about love for nature, the fight for conservation, and battling uncertainty. Will Halvani find undeniable proof and save this majestic predator from extinction? This documentary promises to answer these questions and more.
2017 Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival
Jackson, United States
September 25, 2017
World Premiere
The Best Film Award-People & Nature
11th Iran International Documentary Film Festival
Tehran, Iran, Islamic Republic of
December 14, 2017
National Premiere
Best Directing Prize
12th Green Screen International Nature Film Festival
Eckernförde, Germany
September 12, 2018
The Best Independent Film Prize
21st Gran Paradiso Film Festival
Cogne, Italy
July 29, 2018
Premio Gran Paradiso
5th Green Image Film Festival
Tokyo, Japan
March 1, 2018
Asia Premiere
Green Image Award
16th Matsalu Nature Film Festival
Estonia
September 19, 2018
1st Prize and Best Director
4th Wildlife Film Festival Rotterdam
Rotterdam, Netherlands
October 25, 2018
Nominated for the Conservation Award
26th The Environmental Film Festival in the Nation’s Capital
Washington DC, United States
March 15, 2018
DC Premiere
Official Selection
41st International Wildlife Film Festival
Missoula, United States
Semi-finalist
21st CinemAmbiente – Environmental Film Festival
Torino, Italy
May 31, 2018
Italian Premiere
Official Selection
11th Iranian Film Festival – San Francisco
San Francisco, United States
September 22, 2018
Official Selection
7th NaturVision Filmfestival 2018
Ludwigsburg, Germany
May 22, 2018
Out of Competition
International Big Cat Film Festival
New York, United States
March 3, 2018
Finalist
Wildlife Conservation Film Festival
New York, United States
October 18, 2018
Official Selection
7th Silk Road International Film Festival
Dublin, Ireland
March 7, 2018
European Premiere
Official Selection
IX Vassa Wildlife Film Festival
Vassa, Finland
Semi-finalist
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.
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- Cinematographer, Director
Nima Asgari is a renowned Iranian filmmaker and environmentalist with a degree in Environment and Natural Resources. He honed his filmmaking skills at the Iranian Youth Cinema Association, one of the country’s most esteemed institutions for training filmmakers. Since 2010, he has been an integral part of the Wildlife Pictures Institute, a platform dedicated to documenting Iran’s rich biodiversity and advocating for the conservation of endangered species.
Asgari began his career in 2007 with the Iranian Cheetah Society, where he worked as a researcher and cinematographer, focusing on rare and vulnerable species such as the Asiatic cheetah, the great bustard, the Persian onager, and the houbara bustard. Through his work at the Wildlife Pictures Institute, he has produced numerous documentaries that explore these species in their natural habitats, offering audiences a unique insight into the challenges of wildlife conservation in Iran.
Most of Nima’s films delve into the intricate relationship between human societies and nature, emphasizing the devastating impact of human activities on wildlife extinction. Over the course of his career, he has directed and produced more than 30 documentary films, earning over a dozen international awards. His critically acclaimed films Ranger and Leopard (2018) and Houbara (2022) have garnered widespread recognition, including the Grand Prix and Best Director awards at the Matsalu Nature Film Festival in Estonia. In addition, his film Ranger and Leopard was awarded at the Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival (2018) and earned him the Best Director title at Iran’s prestigious Cinema Verite Film Festival in the same year.
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Director's Statement:
As filmmakers deeply passionate about wildlife and conservation, Ranger and Leopard is a story that resonates with us on many levels. It is not merely a tale about an elusive predator but a profound exploration of the human spirit, unwavering hope, and the relentless pursuit of a connection with nature. Through Mohammad Reza Halvani’s journey, we were captivated by the intricate balance between determination and doubt as he sought to uncover evidence of the Persian leopard in his protected area after 40 years of absence.
Our goal was to transport audiences into the breathtaking landscapes of Iran while shining a light on the urgent need for conservation. Through Halvani’s relentless efforts and the challenges he faced, we hoped to illustrate the fragility of ecosystems and the critical role of individuals like him who dedicate their lives to protecting the natural world. This documentary is not just about the leopard—it is a testament to the resilience of those who fight to preserve what is left of our planet’s magnificent wildlife. We hope it inspires viewers to appreciate and safeguard the wonders of nature before it’s too late.
Streaming
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Film Specifications
Credits:
- Director: Fathollah Amiri, Nima Asgari
- Writer: Fathollah Amiri
- Producer: Fathollah Amiri
- Cinematographer: Nima Asgari
- Original Music: Babak Mirzakhani
- Editor: Mostafa Gandomkar
- Sound Recorders: Amir Abbasi, Alireza Talebi
- Sound Designer: Ehsan Afsharian
- Colorist: Yahya Rezaei
- Production: Wildlife Pictures institute
Technical:
- Project Type: Documentary, Feature
- Runtime: 53 minutes
- Completion Date: August 1, 2017
- Country of Filming: Iran, Islamic Republic of
- Language: Persian, English Subtitle
- Shooting Format: Full HD 1080 50i
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Film Color: Color
- Genres: Wildlife, People and Nature
Film Roadmap & Milestones
Production (2014 – 2016)
Post-Production (2017)
Film Festival Circuit (2017 – 2018)
Press & Media Coverage (2017 – 2022)
TV Distribution (2018 – Ongoing)
Selling Uncut Film Clips (2018 – 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
abbas@souzian.com
Pärnu mnt. 139c, 11317, Tallinn, Estonia
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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