Elephant Refugees (2020) User Reviews

Engaging Look at Elephant Conservation Narrated by GoT's Bronn

[hodgetts-665-29065 · 8/10 · 25 April 2020]

I viewed this film as part of the 2020 Cleveland International Film Festival streaming catalog. The film is a portrait of life at the Elephant Sands Bush Camp and the results of the African elephant migration to Botswana following their suspension of poaching, which lasted from 2014 - 2019. It is masterfully narrated by Jerome Flynn (Bronn from Game of Thrones). While the film is narrowly focused on the family who runs what is essentially an elephant sanctuary with guest facilities, it also offers (implicitly) a commentary on the issues Botswana (and other states) face when conservation lacks funding and regional cooperation, while physical conditions are exacerbated by climactic stresses that will only worsen. The film manages to be educational about this fascinating species and the difficulties with elephant conservation, while also providing an honest (and heartwarming) look at the family that has devoted itself to running the bush camp. The film does not try to do too much and mostly leaves the viewer to draw their own conclusions. Certainly recommended, although fair warning to families, while there are plenty of cute baby elephants, there are also scenes of injured animals and surgery involving blood.