Watch The Lost Coast of Gabon

The Lost Coast of Gabon is a remarkable documentary film that explores a remote and untouched region of Africa. This 87-minute film takes us deep into the heart of the dense and mysterious rainforest of Gabon, a country located on the West Coast of Central Africa. The movie was directed by Harry Marshall and produced by Icon Films. The film follows the journey of Michael "Nick" Nichols, a National Geographic photographer, as he embarks on a mission to document the wildlife and landscape of Gabon's untouched coastal forests. Together with Gabonese conservationist Mike Fay, Nichols treks through the forest, encountering a diverse array of creatures, from the elusive mandrill to the majestic forest elephant.

The documentary opens with breathtaking aerial shots of the dense rainforest that covers much of Gabon's coast. This cinematic sequence sets the tone for the rest of the film, conveying the epic and otherworldly nature of the landscape. The viewer is immediately drawn into the wild and untamed world of Gabon, where the animals and plants have had thousands of years to evolve in isolation.

As the film unfolds, we learn about the challenges of this remote and rugged environment. Nichols and Fay encounter numerous obstacles in their journey, from dense underbrush and steep cliffs to swollen rivers and the threat of ill-tempered animals. The filmmakers also show us the ways in which people have begun to encroach on this wilderness, whether through logging, hunting or development.

Despite these challenges, the primary focus of the documentary remains on the astonishing beauty and diversity of the region. We see a wide range of animals in their natural habitat, including the rare and endangered forest elephant, along with a vast array of primates like the mandrill, chimpanzee, and colobus monkey. The camera work is stunning, with extensive use of wide-angle lenses and slow-motion footage to capture the movement and energy of these creatures.

The film also delves into the scientific research and conservation efforts taking place in Gabon. We meet a range of conservationists, researchers, and fieldworkers who are studying the region's ecosystem and working to protect it from encroaching human activity. These efforts are intimately tied to Gabon's history and current politics, as the country has long been a leader in African conservation and sustainable development. The film reveals how these efforts are being threatened by the increasing demand for natural resources, as well as by the effects of climate change.

Throughout the film, the viewer is treated to astonishing site after site, whether it's watching a flock of birds taking flight or seeing a troop of monkeys swinging through the trees. The shots are carefully composed, with an eye for the small details of life in the forest as well as the larger scale of the landscape. The film is not simply a visual feast, however. The soundtrack is rich and layered, conveying the sounds of the forest in all their complexity. This is used to great effect to evoke the sense of moving through an immersive environment, enveloped by the sights and sounds of the forest.

In summary, The Lost Coast of Gabon is an extraordinary film that captures the beauty and complexity of one of the last untamed wildernesses on the planet. It is a testament to the power of nature and the importance of preserving it in a world that is rapidly changing. The documentary's cinematography, soundtrack, and storytelling all come together to create an immersive experience that will leave a lasting impression on anyone who watches it. Whether you are interested in nature, photography, or simply love a good documentary, The Lost Coast of Gabon is well worth your time.

The Lost Coast of Gabon is a documentary with a runtime of 25 minutes.