KALU – Growing Up Wild

KALU - Growing Up Wild

Short Documentary (2023)

“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.

This film is currently doing its round at filmfestivals.

Cast

Written, directed, produced, shot and edited by:
Matteo Clarke & Roman Willi (WildReach Productions)

 

In collaboration with:

BioSur Foundation

 

Narrated by:

George McGavin (ENG) & Mariela Baltodano (ESP)

 

Music by:

Jack McKenzie

 

Sound Design by:

Marios Themistocleus

 

Colorgrading by:

Karolina Matela

Awards

– “Best Short Documentary” & Nomination for “Best Production” at China Wildlife Image and Video Competition

– “Best Short Film” at FIIN Festival in Portugal
– “Best Wildlife Documentary” & “Best Cinematography” at Discover.Film Awards
– “Prix De La Réalisation” at Festival L’Animal Qui Court
– “Best Short Film” at Pridelands Wildlife Film Festival
– Second Place in “Short Documentary” at the SIENA Awards 2024

Notable Filmfestival Selections

– 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

Reviews