‘The Search for the Knysna Elephants’ produced by NHU AFRICA together with co-production partner Animal Planet, will be screened at the Labia, Kloof Street, Cape Town from 30 October – 5 November 2009.

This uniquely South African tale follows wildlife expert Gareth Patterson on his quest to study the ghosts of the Knysna forest. Contrary to the long-held belief that only one Knysna elephant still existed, Gareth soon discovered the presence of other, previously unknown, elephants. Quietly, and without the aid of humankind, the Knysna elephants seem to have brought themselves back from the very brink of extinction.

The story follows Gareth's journey to learn about the elusive elephants by conducting DNA testing of the elephant’s dung, diet analysis, placement of remote cameras and by covering thousands of kilometres on foot in the forest and on the foothills of the mountains. The dedicated work of Gareth and two highly skilled trackers, Wilfred Oraai and Karel Maswatie, together with Hylton Herd of SANParks, reveal surprising discoveries about the elephants that many experts had previously not uncovered.

For filmmaker Mark van Wijk it was an expedition of a lifetime Van Wijk says “tracking for days in the forest was an incredible experience, and despite physical challenges of carrying camera gear, I was continually filled with a sense of awe as we journeyed deeper into the mystical forest.” It was after a chance meeting with Gareth, that Mark started developing the film in 2002 and in 2007 it was commissioned by NHU AFRICA. Sophie Vartan, Commissioning Editor said “the story attracted me right from the start, I also wanted to know more about the Knysna elephants, and we went all out to capture these elusive creatures on film!”

Packed with outstanding cinematography, this 52 minute documentary contains exclusive footage of the Knysna elephants and makes for a fascinating watch as some of the mysteries of the Knysna forest are brought to light.

Screenings will run from Friday 30 October to Thursday 5 November, twice a day, 14h15 and 18h15 at the Labia, Kloof street. For bookings call 021 424 5927, tickets are R20 per person.

NHU AFRICA (Natural History Unit of Africa), headed up by Sophie Vartan, commissions, co-produces and distributes wildlife documentaries for both local and international broadcasters, and has produced over 100 hours of programming to date.