Hunted By A Myth

'Hunted By A Myth' is a gripping documentary film released in 2017 that tackles the critical issue of rhinoceros poaching. It deeply examines the implication it has on the geopolitics of subsistence communities in Africa, while alongside, making a powerful statement on biodiversity destruction and the urgent need for conservation.

Ground Lens Films's 'Hunted by a Myth' is the brainchild of Daniela Henno. As the documentary's director, producer, and writer, she unfolds a powerful narrative that highlights a hidden aspect of rhino conservation efforts. The documentary is constructed with stunning visuals and a clear narrative style that makes the details of the complex issue accessible to the broader public. The richness of the film comes from the intense research and personal passion Henno has injected into her creation.

As the title indicates, 'Hunted by a Myth' focuses on the relentless hunting of rhinos. They are the victims of a myth that their horns possess healing and aphrodisiac properties, a belief that predominately exists in Asia, putting their existence to an almost end. This unfounded myth, coupled with illegal wildlife trafficking, is driving rhinos towards the brink of extinction.

The movie begins in the African Savannas, where the audience is introduced to the plight of these magnificent creatures. Daniela Henno's camera captures the vast landscape and wildlife, immediately striking a poignant contrast with the realities of poaching. The audience is taken from African parks to crowded Asian streets, factually documenting that the demand for these horns stems from Asian cultures, especially Vietnam and China.

The director doesn't shy away from the blunt realities of the situation. As the story unfolds, the audience is offered a glimpse into the lives of the poachers themselves. The stories of these people often get overshadowed in conservation documentaries. The movie dives into an investigation and draws a vivid image of how local African communities are lured into poaching by promise of instant wealth. It gives the audience a chance to see the contrast between poachers, often individuals from impoverished and disadvantaged communities, and the organizations that are striving to protect the rhinos.

A standout aspect of 'Hunted by a Myth' is its thorough examination of the trade-off between conservation and subsistence. With a fine balance, Henno documents the survival struggles of local communities, who often resort to illegal activities due to a dearth of economic opportunities. The documentary underscores the dire socio-economic conditions that could lead someone to risk danger, and even their lives, to supply rhino horns to illegal markets.

Through gripping interviews with anti-poaching units and conservationists, Henno highlights a range of preventative methods currently employed, their effectiveness, and the challenges they face. The audience sees how it’s not simply a battle of protecting wildlife; it’s a socio-economic and cultural war that is tragically threatening various species with extinction.

Furthermore, 'Hunted by a Myth' also examines the role of government, international policies, and global organizations in addressing the issue. The audience is given insight into the multifaceted nature of wildlife conservation, with a focus on international law enforcement efforts to curb smuggling and wildlife trafficking, and the crucial role of diplomacy in managing cross-border crimes, involving various countries and continents.

One of the more striking aspects of this film is seeing how direct and grassroots anti-poaching efforts work in harmony with broader institutional measures. This provides hope that, while the situation is undoubtedly grave, collective efforts can prevail against such challenges.

'Hunted By A Myth' is a weighty documentary that confronts audiences with the grueling reality of the crypto-zoological trade and its impacts on biodiversity loss. It explores the socio-political & economic aspects behind rhino poaching, culminating in a plea for change – not merely for the rhinos that are being hunted to extinction, but for the impoverished individuals who are lured into doing the hunting, and for the shattered ecosystems left behind in its wake.

This is a film for those who seek to understand the complexities of wildlife conservation, the political and socio-economic factors that drive the devastating trade in endangered species, and what can be done to combat it. 'Hunted By A Myth' gives viewers a window into the many faces of rhino poaching, offering the chance for audiences to uncover the layers of a critical issue that touches all corners of the globe.