Okavango River of Dreams (Sundance)

Published: Jan. 29, 2020, 4:20 p.m.

Africa’s Okavango Delta contains an enormous and vibrant river that provides the stage for a seemingly endless diversity of wildlife. An extensive array of animals are shown living in communion with the mighty river in Botswana as they hunt, forage, and scavenge alongside the constantly shifting water’s edge; big cats, elephants, African skimmers, hippos, crocodiles, painted dogs, and bush babies all thrive and survive amongst one another in acutely specific ways. Even the water itself is explored as a living character as it morphs and changes throughout the seasons. It is a testament to the interconnectedness of life on Earth and the need for biodiversity to retain the delicate balance of nature.

Filmmakers Dereck and Beverly Joubert have created an utterly breathtaking example of visual storytelling with rich clarity. Each dazzling closeup of the exotic flora and fauna is truly remarkable, as is the narration by Dereck Joubert accompanying the stunning images. Calling itself a love letter to the greatest river in Africa, Okavango: River of Dreams observes a unique ecosystem with a skilled and deeply perceptive eye.