By Ural Garrett · October 24, 2014
Alongside getting theatrical releases in New York and Los Angeles, Leonardo Dicaprio’s executively produced documentary Virunga will hit Netflix November 7th.
Directed by Orlando von Einsiedel, the environmental documentary primarily focuses on conflicts taking place in Virunga National Park in eastern Congo. Not only is it one of the most bio-diverse environments in the world and oldest national parks in Africa, but home to the endangered mountain gorillas. As reported in news the past couple of years, Virunga is under threat from an armed militia, poachers and industrial forces attempting to control natural resources of the area. Hoping to protect the land is an ex-child solider turned ranger, orphan gorilla carer and Belgian conservationist. Things get even more complicated with a newly formed M23 rebel group declaring war, threatening the well being of the UNESCO world heritage site.
Winner of 15 International Film Awards this year, DiCaprio says he hopes Virunga informs and inspires individuals to engage the topic. “Films like Virunga are powerful stories that are a window into the incredible cultural and natural diversity of our world, the forces that are threatening to destroy it, and the people who are fighting to protect it,” says the five time Academy Award nominee.
Netflix had a good year last year with The Square, a documentary about the 2011 Egyptian Revolution starting in Tahrir Square. That film went on to give the streaming video provider its first Oscar nomination. From the looks of things, Netflix Chief Content Officer, Ted Sarandos, wants to inform subscribers of a serious issue and repeat the same success. “With Virunga, we’ll work with Leo to introduce viewers around the world to an incredible, gripping story that will have audiences guessing right up until the final act,” says Sarandos. Political drama House of Cards has given the company three Primetime Emmys and one Golden Globe.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=iZlz_4iUKBs%26nbsp%3B
Nguyen Le · October 20, 2014
