ORF “Universum” Nature received major international recognition at the “Jackson Wild Media Awards” for the documentary “Desert Phantoms - Lions of the Skeleton Coast” and secured two prestigious trophies. 

VIENNA/MARYLAND – The Jackson Wild Media Awards are considered the highest standard of achievement in natural history filmmaking, recognizing excellence and innovation in the realms of nature, science, and conservation storytelling. This year’s competition attracted submissions of over 500 films from 74 countries, submitted across more than 1,100 categories. “Desert Phantoms – Lions of the Skeleton Coast” convinced a jury of 200 international experts, securing awards in the categories “Animal Behavior” and “Writing”, and was therefore awarded two of the coveted trophies. A further nomination for lion researcher Dr. Philip Stander as best “Onscreen Personality” underlines the exceptional quality of this production.

Acclaimed filmmakers Will and Lianne Steenkamp, known for their captivating storytelling and stunning visuals, followed Dr. Philip Stander and his research on desert lions for several years. The documentary not only showcases the unique behavior of these lions but also highlights their remarkable journey and the challenges they face in one of the world’s most extreme environments. The filmmakers’ previous ORF “Universum” films such as “Vanishing Kings” and “Leopard Legacy” had won numerous awards in recent years. A success that their latest work could follow on from. 

 

“I would like to thank Will and Lianne for their unparalleled efforts over the last few years. These awards underline the reputation and outstanding quality of our nature films on an international level. This production will also find an enthusiastic audience - not only in Austria, but all over the world”, says Gernot Lercher, Head of ORF “Universum” Nature.

“Heartfelt congratulations to Will and Lianne, to Gernot Lercher and his team on this outstanding accomplishment. The innovative storytelling and exceptional quality have once again been recognized on the global stage. These awards highlight their incredible work and dedication. We are excited to share these extraordinary films with audiences worldwide as exclusive distributor”, adds Armin Luttenberger, Head of Content Sales International, ORF-Enterprise.

The documentary explores the extraordinary lives of lions born in the harsh environment of the Namib Desert, where the desert meets the Atlantic Ocean along the Skeleton Coast. This mystical and treacherous landscape serves as the setting for a compelling narrative of resilience and survival. The film follows three orphaned desert lion cubs as they navigate one of the most inhospitable places on Earth. From their first unsteady steps in the heart of the desert all the way to the hostile shores of the Skeleton Coast, the documentary captures their transformation and adaptation. In the darkness of night, the lionesses transform into the phantoms of the Skeleton Coast and hunt the lone seals that come to shore. With their regular visits to the ocean, their diet signifies their evolution into true coastal lions.

“Desert Phantoms – Lions of the Skeleton Coast”  is a co-production by ORF, PBS, ARTE, WDR and Into Nature Productions in association with ORF-Enterprise.

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