Vortex (2019)

Vortex

An Unforgettable Journey into the Last Stronghold of the Asiatic Cheetah

Vortex is an intense and breathtaking documentary that delves deep into the desperate struggle to save the last remaining Asiatic cheetahs. Wildlife documentarian Fathollah Amiri, alongside cheetah researcher Dr. Bagher Nezami, embarks on a relentless quest across Iran to capture the elusive beauty of these critically endangered creatures. With fewer than 50 of these magnificent cheetahs left, each sighting and every piece of footage is a race against time.

The film follows Amiri and Dr. Nezami as they divide the cheetah’s 10 known habitats and place trap cameras in the most remote and cheetah-populated areas, hoping to reveal unseen moments of these incredible animals in their natural surroundings. With each new discovery, the depth of the cheetah’s struggle for survival becomes heartbreakingly clear. The team’s findings unveil previously unknown relationships between cheetah families and shed light on the delicate balance within their dwindling habitats.

In a stunning narrative woven with suspense, Vortex offers viewers unprecedented, perhaps final, glimpses of the Asiatic cheetah. It’s a story of resilience, beauty, and urgency, where every frame underscores the critical need to protect these creatures before they vanish from the wild forever. This is more than a documentary—it’s a call to action, a tribute to nature’s fragile resilience, and a testament to the dedication of those fighting to preserve one of the world’s most endangered big cats.

XXXIII Sondrio Festival 2019
Sondrio
Italy
November 11, 2019
Città di Sondrio Award

10th CMS VATAVARAN – Environment and Wildlife Film Festival and Forum
New Delhi
India
November 20, 2019
Special Jury Mention

FESTIVAL INTERNATIONAL DU FILM ORNITHOLOGIQUE DE MÉNIGOUTE
Menigout
France
October 31, 2021
Official Selection

68th Trento Film Festival
Trento
Italy
August 27, 2020
MUSE.DOC

MAFF | Matsalu Nature Film Festival
Thalinn
Estonia
September 18, 2019
Official Selection

International Ecological Film Festival TO SAVE AND PRESERVE
Ugra
Russian Federation
June 2, 2019
Official Selection

World Wildlife Day Biodiversity Film Showcase
New York
United States
March 3, 2020
Honorable Mention

Phoenix Film Festival Melbourne
Melbourne
Australia
June 2, 2019
Official Nominations

INTERNATIONAL ORNITHOLOGIQUE FILM FESTIVAL – MÉNIGOUTE 2021
Ménigoute
France
October 14, 2021
PRIX DE LA PROTECTION DE LA NATURE

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.

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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