Watch Africa's Wild West: Stallions Of The Namib Desert
- 2015
- 50 min
Africa's Wild West: Stallions Of The Namib Desert is a visually stunning documentary that takes audiences on a journey to the Namib Desert, located on the coast of southwestern Africa. The film showcases the lives of wild horses and other animals in the region, as well as the harsh realities they must face to survive. The footage in the movie is breathtaking, offering an up-close look at the stunning scenery and wildlife of the Namib Desert. Viewers are taken on a journey through sweeping vistas of barren rock formations, vast sand dunes, and towering cliffs that make up this rugged landscape.
Narrated by the actress Kate Winslet, the film offers a unique perspective on the lives of wild horses in this environment. These horses are descended from domesticated breeds brought to the area by European colonizers in the early 20th century. The horses have adapted to the harsh conditions of the desert, but they are not native to the area and must compete for resources with other animals that are more adapted to the desert.
The film explores the challenges that these horses face as they struggle to survive in the arid desert. Water is scarce in this environment, and the horses must travel long distances to find it. This journey can be treacherous, as temperatures can soar to well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and plummet to freezing at night. The horses must also contend with predators such as hyenas, jackals, and leopards, as well as poachers who hunt them for their meat.
In addition to the horses, the film also showcases other animals that call the Namib Desert home. These include baboons, ostriches, and the elusive desert lion, which has learned to survive in this inhospitable environment by preying on the horses and other animals.
Throughout the film, viewers are treated to stunning shots of these animals in their natural habitat. The horses are particularly captivating, with their sleek bodies and flowing manes caught in the wind as they run across the desert. The film also offers a rare glimpse into the social dynamics of horse herds, as they interact with each other and defend their territory.
One of the most interesting aspects of the film is the exploration of the relationship between the horses and humans in the region. Many locals view the horses as a nuisance, as they compete with cattle for grazing resources and can cause damage to crops. This has led to tensions between ranchers and conservationists over how best to manage the local wildlife population.
Despite these challenges, the documentary provides a hopeful message about the future of the horses in the Namib Desert. Conservation efforts are underway to protect the wild horses and other animals in the region, and the film showcases some of the work being done to ensure their survival.
Overall, Africa's Wild West: Stallions Of The Namib Desert is a fascinating and visually stunning documentary that offers a unique perspective on the lives of wild horses in an unforgiving environment. The film is sure to captivate audiences with its breathtaking cinematography and compelling storytelling, and it offers important insights into the delicate balance between humans and wildlife in this remote corner of the world.