Death at Dawn

Watch Death at Dawn

  • 2008

Death at Dawn is a riveting documentary production by ORF Universum. The film takes us deep into the harsh and unforgiving world of predators and prey, where survival is a daily struggle. The crew follows the lives of animals as they navigate unpredictable and often dangerous landscapes in the African savannah.

One of the most awe-inspiring scenes of the show is the migration of the wildebeest herd. You'll see them crossing the Mara river, facing off with huge crocodiles that lurk beneath the water's surface. This is where the famous footage of wildebeest migration that is a hallmark of wildlife documentaries, and Death at Dawn captures this rugged wildlife scene with aplomb.

The lion pride, one of Africa's most ferocious predators, is also featured prominently. The film goes into explicit detail on how lions coexist and interact within their social group. It’s fascinating to watch as they hunt together, fight for territory, and protect their young ones fiercely. The documentary also highlights their interactions with other animals that share their habitat, such as hyenas, cheetahs and the critically endangered African wild dogs.

The cheetah, the fastest land animal, is also featured in the film. The crew documents the life of a mother cheetah and her cubs as they navigate the savannah, hunting and evading danger. The film educates viewers on the realities of life in the wild, as the cubs are threatened by other predators and are at risk of being killed by other male cheetahs. The crew does an excellent job of capturing the beauty and grace of the cheetahs in the wild.

Another enthralling segment is on the life of the hyenas. The documentary shows us how the hyenas live and coexist with their peers, and the way they scavenge and hunt in packs. The crew also captures their unique vocalisations, which are integral to their social structure. This part of the film is simply amazing as the team highlights the hyenas in their roles as apex scavengers and hunters.

Death at Dawn's cinematography is outstanding, with shots taken from every angle and showcasing the animals in their natural habitat. Viewers will be impressed by the number of different animal scenes captured within fifty minutes. The movie truly depicts the beauty of African landscapes, from open grasslands to dense trees and swamps.

Most importantly, the film addresses the harsh realities of the African savannah's growing human population, which encroaches on animal habitat daily. The crew discusses how humans have altered Africa's ecosystem, and how this affects the animals' ability to thrive. The film closes with an entreaty for viewers to create conservation efforts and to assist with preserving African wildlife for future generations.

In conclusion, Death at Dawn is an incredibly well-produced and fascinating documentary that provides insight into the lives of animals in the African savannah. It showcases the beauty of Africa's vast landscapes, and the often brutal realities of life in the wild. The film's message is clear: unless conservation efforts are implemented, many of these magnificent animals will disappear from the planet forever.