Name: Die Hyänen vom Mara Fluss
Genre: Documentary
Released: 2004-08-18
Duration: 45 min
Rating: 7.7

Impressive nature shots, good story, strange people

This film was shown as an NDR production on SFB a few weeks ago. As a huge fan of nature documentaries I was quite surprised by this "new" style of story telling - at least new for NDR productions (which is - FYI - Germanys number one producer of nature films, if DER SPIEGEL is correct).

The film follows the work and life of a handful of young U.S. scientists who have set up a base somewhere in the Masai Mara. Since the 70ies (?) students, post-docs and other personnel are doing intensive research on spotted hyenas from here. These animals, as told by the rather strange Masai woman at the beginning of the film, are considered to be craven, double-faced, evil, merciless monsters, eating their prey alive.

Well, I've learned this is only half the truth. The film shows in fabulous images their complex social behavior (hyenas are dominated by woman, BTW). The scientist's devotion and fascination creates some kind of spark that suddenly, at the end of the film, you find yourself admiring hyenas! Well, kind of. 

I could have seen much more of the scientists work and life, not the usual stuff like eating, talking, driving around, shooting - we've seen that a million times. Why wasn't there more about the balloon guy or the old Masai lady? 

Otherwise, excellent documentary.

German cinema is famous for its historical depth, expressionist aesthetics, and social-political engagement. It has moved from Expressionism to political reckoning, from New German Cinema's raw realism to contemporary genre experiments. Its legacy lies in both technical innovation and deep explorations of history, morality, and philosophy.

The documentary is a form of non-fiction storytelling that aims to present factual information, insights, and perspectives on real-world subjects, events, issues, or people. Documentaries can cover a wide range of topics, including history, science, culture, social issues, nature, biographies, and more.

Dziga Vertov in Man with a Movie Camera (1929)

American biologists Chantal and Karen observe and follow the Tarek Clan day and night - the largest pack of spotted hyenas in Kenyas Masai Mara wildlife reserve. The documentary reveals the complex social life of these fascinating animals in breathtaking images from the Masai Mara reserve. The story of a young group of american scientists and an old Masai matriarch leads through the film.

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Die Hyänen vom Mara Fluss

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