short documentary (2023) | 14:33

Synopsis

“Kalu – Growing Up Wild” is a short documentary about the challenges a baby spider monkey named Kalu faces growing up in the jungle of the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica. He must learn to climb, forage for food, communicate, face predators and make difficult decisions in order to survive. It shows the resilience and beauty of nature and highlights the importance of protecting it for future generations. The film is narrated by George McGavin, one of Britain’s leading entomologists and naturalists, and produced with support from the BioSur Foundation, a NGO working to protect rainforest in Costa Rica.

Cast

PRODUCED & DIRECTED BY: Matteo Clarke & Roman Willi

NARRATOR ENG: George Mc Gavin

NARRATOR ESP: Mariela Baltodano

ORIGINAL SCORE BY: Jack McKenzie

SOUND DESIGN BY: Marios Themistocleus

COLORGRADING BY: Karolina Matela

ALSO ON

awards

Best Short Documentary & Nomination for Best Production at China Wildlife Image and Video Competition 2023

Best Short Film at FIIN Festival 2023

Best Wildlife Documentary & Best Cinematography at Discover.Film Awards 2023

Prix De La Réalisation at Festival L’Animal Qui Court 2023

Best Short Film at Pridelands Wildlife Film Festival 2023

Runner Up Short Documentary at SIENA Awards 2024

NOTABLE SELECTIONS

Green Screen International Wildlife Film Festival 2025

New York WILD Film Festival 2023

Santiago Wild 2024

Wildlife Conservation Film Festival 2023

Wildlife Vaasa International Nature Film Festival 2024

Wild Earth Oceania 2023

S.O.F.A. Film Festival 2023

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