WILD SPITI - The Ghost Of The Snow | Award Winning Snow Leopard Documentary
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- čas přidán 23. 04. 2020
- Winner of Best Film - Nature's Best Photography Asia 2020.
Synopsis: Set foot into the fairytale winterscapes of the wild Indian Himalayas. Featuring intimate glimpses into the wildlife of Spiti Valley, this natural history tale of survival chronicles the last days in the extraordinary life of a Snow Leopard. It unveils the various struggles that it must relentlessly battle every day, including the biggest one by mankind - climate change.
Story behind the film: It all began as a still photography expedition, a much needed break from my ‘job’ as a commercial filmmaker. It took 3 days of traveling by flight and driving through precariously narrow Himalayan roads to reach Kibber from Mumbai.
Feb 27th 2020 was my first day in the field. I had never walked through shin-deep snow before, let alone walking and slipping down icy waterfalls. There were sightings of a mother Snow Leopard with three cubs but she was long gone when I arrived. On Feb 28th, I saw my very first Snow Leopard in the wild; he was in hunting mode. Moments later, he cartwheeled to the bottom with a large Ibex. I switched from stills and filmed as much of the cat’s behaviour as I possibly could, not knowing how and where I would use the footage. 4 days later, the Snow Leopard was forced to abandon the carcass as it froze solid in the stream it plunged into. I witnessed another hunting attempt; this time, he failed. Nightfall came by and my journey had ended.
On my return home, the villagers told me about yet another hunting attempt. Driven by starvation, the old cat miscalculated his footing and fell to his death. Moved by the tragic news, I revisited my footage and was compelled to tell the story survival of this incredible Snow Leopard and the many challenges the species faces, every single day.
This film was never intended to be, it was born from extraordinary experiences and has urged me to dedicate my life to continue telling stories of our natural world with the hope of re-humanizing people and preserving it.
Location: Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary, Lahaul and Spiti district, Himachal Pradesh.
Local Porter: DK.
Writer, Director & Producer: Kenneth Lawrence.
Narrator: Nazneen Madan.
Music Director: Advait Nemlekar.
Colourist: Amit Kumar, Aum Creations.
Cinematographer, Editor & Sound Design: Kenneth Lawrence.
Special thanks to Jayanth Sharma for the expert sightings. Just a moment too late, and we would've missed the spectacular hunting plummet of the Snow Leopard and the massive Himalayan Ibex.
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Great documentary. I feel so sorry for that leopard though. 😿😿😿
Thank you. Yes, it was a tragic end for an extraordinary beast that already faces so many man made threats.
@@KennethLawrencePhotography Without trying to be cynical, but... Am I the only one thinking there might have been foul play involved?
I mean, you filmed it, so the locals knew the location of the carcass. It would only have taken one unscrupulous person to go there...
The story about the leopard losing its footing seems a bit unlikely for several reasons. For example, the fact that the snow lepards are so scarsely seen in the wild, makes it very unlikely that someone's witnessed the event. Secondly, without the good quality scopes and/or optics that you were using (not sure how likely the locals were to have them), it would have been nigh on impossible to spot it. Thirdly, even if they were using the optics, it would have required investing plenty of time and patience - unlikely l, as the locals have work commitments.
Yet the way they described in detail how the leopard had "lost its footing" sounds as though someone had witnessed the tragic event.
No foul play. Life ending hunts happen everyday around the world. The wildlife sanctuary that I filmed in has photographers visiting from across the globe. The local villagers serve as guides and porters, so they're out spotting activity almost everyday during the winters - when sightings are at their peak.
They locals villagers will always have witnessed moments far more rare and spectacular than any visitor.
@@KennethLawrencePhotography True that. I guess the profound sadness I felt because of the poor leopard's death made me explore some unlikely scenarios.
Thanks for your prompt replies!
10:40 “the loss of a snow leopard is felt worldwide”. I’m sitting here in Norway crying. Snow leopards are truly one of the worlds most beautiful and awe inspiring creatures on the planet!
I feel bad for this content. I really cannot imagine this documentation has so few views with this beautiful cinematography with much detailed work whereas videos of idiotic and worthless contents getting millions of views. This is truly a masterpiece, made amazingly.
Thanks, Ayan. 🤙🏼🤙🏼
there's a silver lining...imagine millions of our rowdy crowds flocking to such pristine places..
@@sailormani earlier people used to follow and admire the people who had talent and showed impressive performance in any field, nowadays stupid peoples just watch and follow those whom they can relate with, and the person they relate with are the idiots and people who do gibberish things in the internet
@@sailormani oh my God!! 🤣. Wouldn't that be very easy to not allowed happen? The flocking of rowdy crowds... The answer is Yes. Very easy!
The snow leopard does not want to be our hero. Nor does it want our sympathy. If there is anything that can be done to improve its situation, a well thought out and responsible dedicated effort would be welcome. It is okay to "tamper with" or "interfere with" "Nature" by now, using good judgement and not creating negative side effects. Let's be more mature.
I am totally saddened by the snow leopard's situation. That is not going to do anything to climate change.
Well it says that it’s won awards so it must’ve had some sort of recognition?
Extra Ordinary! I can't even imagine the efforts required to shoot this. Hats off!
Cheers, man. ✌🏼😃
I'm glad CZcams recommended this to me. absolutely stunning.
Woohoo ✌🏼😃
Mr Lawrence, it was one of the best mini documentaries i have ever seen. 15 minutes are enough to make you consider about the future of the planet and of this majestic creatures. Keep going. Greetings from Greece.
Thank you, my friend. I'm glad you enjoyed the film and its message. Great to hear from your side of the globe. 😃🙌🏼
This documentary can't be appreciated in words. It's just to be felt. ❤️❤️
😃🙌🏼🙌🏼
This documentary made me so emotional at the end. Animals teach us so much about life...to never take anything for granted to always be motivated to fight for your life ...work hard each day and improvise not accept defeat. And most importantly to not waste time on things that dont even matter because life is so short...make each day count.
I've never been watching a nature document with tears in my eyes.
Thank you!
This gave me chills !How on earth am I watching this documentary after *2 YEARS* .Nonetheless it's just so amazing ,the subtle way of conveying the message is impeccable . The world is truly a beauty and we must treasure it.
Thank you for this meaningful ducumentry .
I belong to Spiti valley ,tourism ,and urbanization,etc...at present
Global warming at its extreme glaciers are melting too rapidly..😢
Must have been surreal to see the snow leopard emerge for the first time...
Thank you for this documentary. Amazing.
Snow leopards are extremely rare, and no easy way to conserve them.... Amazing documentary....
Beautiful work & Behind the Film story ❤️
- Shaji Mathilakam , Wildlife Conservation Film Maker , Kerala
Thank you, budd! ✌🏼😃
Wow! That was an absolute joy to watch. So many beautiful moments that most of us may never get to witness. I'm totally mesmerized, this is one of the best! 😍
Thank you so much, mum! I'm very glad you enjoyed it. None of this would be possible without all your endless love and support ❤️❤️❤️
Hi Kenneth, I just watched your documentary and I totally agree with you that the increasing carbon foot print of human beings is turning very dangerous for these Himalayas and the flora and faunas which live there.
I was in Ladakh last month from June 18 to 23 and during my tour I got to see Khardungla pass, Pangong Tso lake and later Lahaul valley while coming back via Keylong. During my stay in Leh town I found that all the open drainage were flooded and people were trying hard to take out non-degradable waste things from them as they were causing blockages at many places and water was coming on roads too. When I asked how this much water was coming into city, then people told me that this year sky is totally clear since one month and so temperatures are much above normal here. This condition has resulted into fast melting of snow over the mountains around and thus, this much of water is coming from above hills. ... I was really surprised to see so much flood without any rain.
Later on, when we were coming to Keylong, while crossing Lahaul valley similar flood was seen between Darcha and Jispa. We saw so much of snow melting and water logging on road that many cars were stranded there. This was very dangerous scene "even before monsoon". I had realised then and there, that as soon as monsoon comes, this whole region of Himachal is going to see huge flood and disasters. My anticipations turned so much correct that next week (after I returned safely back home) first spell of rains brought unprecedented rains and flood in Lahaul, Spiti Manali, Kullu and all areas in that region, causing huge damages. You can see videos of that catastrophe.
I plead to all the people in the world to please please make sure to reduce your carbon foot prints at your end to help Himalayas and innocent local residents of this beautiful creation of God. Thanks.
Beautiful film. The Great Waves of Change are here.
Love From Himalayas # Himachal# India...
Heaven on Earth.
Snow leopards are called ghosts of mountains, because one moment you see them, another moment they disappear. I remember first time seeing one. I was going to my grandma's house during winters in lahoul, suddenly people in car started saying there's a snow leopard! I saw it for first time. He was sitting top of a rock, watching towards the white Valley. As I looked back to leopard, it disappeard . Not because he went away, but because of its camouflage. It was first and probably last time I saw it. Thank you for showing us the glimpse of mountain ghost again.
And what a beautiful experience that must have been. ❤️
To say this is a beautifully crafted documentary is an understatement. Simply amazing 👏 😍 😍
I have no words for this documentary, lot's of love from Himalayas
Well, your narration reminded me of Sir Attenborough. Keep up the good work. A lot might not know but the Snow Leopard is one the most elusive animals to find and film.
Hands down one of the best documentaries I've ever watched! A masterpiece ✴️
I filmed this magnificent old leopard 2 years back and feel so much bad when I heard the news he died in march, yes he Lived his life fully., I came across this video and feel so great to see again this leopard again. Kudos to you :)
As a person who loves Spiti and has always wanted to sight the snow leopard, this is so enlightening. And the rawness has its own charm
What brilliant work! Even to see the elusive snow leopard is an achievement, but to track it for so long in these conditions must have taken superhuman patience and skill. Plus to make the footage into such a great film, and on top of that to frame it so eloquently with the environmental message we all need to hear..... I take my hat off to you!!!!
CZcams should be proud of this. Incredible work!
Haha. Cheers! 😃🤙🏼🤙🏼
No words!
Gorgeous camera work and narration!
Excellent work both! Must see this film!
Thank you! ❤️
Even though I live nearby Lahaul Spiti, I have never seen such mesmerizing cinematic shots of this beautiful place. And that background music gives very different vibes like you are traveling in space.
This is so heartbreaking. Pushing these gorgeous animals on the brink of extinction for no fault of theirs. This is classic human race.
Absolutely breathtaking photography 🤩 but at the same time I really feel bad for the poor animals who fall prey to our selfish cause.
"Life's not fair".
- Scar
Loved your presentation. And the narration. And the warnings of how climate change is affecting their survival.
I was in India in1982 and spent some of that time in the northern border areas.
In the mountainous areas I had the book of Peter Matthiessen 'The Snow Leopard'. His journey with George Schaller to the Land of Dolpo to document the Blue sheep and hopefully Snow Leopard.
The Snow Leopard has been part of my soul ever since. Anyone touched by that wild land and the beautiful leopard would understand that.
Great documentary. World needs to learn from this! 🙏
Wow! one of the most beautiful documentaries on Snow Leopard. Mind-blowing!
Thanks a lot, Akash! 😃🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
absolutely amazing
Cheers 😃🤙🏼🤙🏼
My 7 yr old son loves animals very much, and snow leopard is one of his favourite wild cat. I will surely show this excellent documentary to him. Thank you so much for making one.
One of the best documentaries i have ever watched in my life 😭❤️
Thank you so much for making this ❤️❤️❤️
Hats off for the effort of the crew... Such difficult life of a snow leopard... 🙏🏻
Cheers. 😃🙌🏼
I got mesmerized watching the documentary. It is the best documentary I have watched ever. Everything is perfect and surreal, the cinematography, voice over, everything is just perfect.❤
Best natural documentary ever seen ❤❤❤
Mindblowing Kenneth. Amazing photography in a amazing world. You have brought out the best of this terrain.
Firstly, Congratulations on the accolade that this video earned, and that it really deserved. This spiti valley expedition have been on my mind for sometime now, and then this made me crave even more. You have a great ability of storytelling. There are several wildlife photographers/filmmakers, but what is key is to be able to stir the emotions inside. You are gifted my friend. Keep treating our eyes. Will venture out with you someday. 😊
Much appreciated, my friend. I'm finally back from my commercial shoots and will be editing the new 'Deserts of India' series. Stay tuned for more 😃🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼
This is wonderful. I too once found myself in Spiti Valley. A serene land with sparkling night skies. Snow capped peaks and unique wildlife.
The finest photo/ Videography
This my friend is beautiful, raw nature! it captures the heart ❤️and breaks it at the same time, a sobering reminder of our devastating impact on this earth.....
Thank you, dear JP. Glad ya enjoyed the film. 😃✌🏼
What a story and beautiful glimpse! Thank you so much for giving us a chance to view this beauty. Incredible. ❤️❤️❤️❤️👏🏻
😃🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼
This made me cry... So beautiful... The videos... The narration... The voice and the pauses....
i have been to spiti valley almost many time nd every year , the beautify always rest, regains nd refreshes the mind .loves spiti tour to kaza nd chandartal ,bathall weith a 1300 km road tour to heaven and close to mother nature . wait and watch and i willl coem back again .......mountains are calling and i must go.
Amazing video. The photography brings you close the action ( despite the topographic constraints ) . Almost like watching a story unfold in front of you . The voiceover complements the breadth-taking visuals.
Thanks so much, dear Rajesh! 😃🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
Brilliant photography and narration..a rare peek into life in the Himalayas. Simply awesome...loved the journey of the snow leopard.
Thanks a lot, Avijit! Very glad that you enjoyed it. Stay connected and I hope you enjoy the other content and those to come 😃🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
Best wildlife documentary under 12 minutes. It reminds us of our deeds in an extraordinary way.
Thank you for such a nice documentary
I have watched multiple docs but this is so imaginable, felt like I am there in Spiti.
The cinematography and entire work is applauded. I am really mesmerised and happy.
"Staying alive is a struggle, even when you're a snow leopard". :')
For without man, all beasts reign mighty.
06:41
Snow Leopard: You just gonna stand there and film me or help me with this ?
Very nice view and scenery thank you.from the south pacific seas.
Just one word “Extraordinary content!”
This is one of the best thing I've ever seen in my life
The message in the end is very much needed 🙏🏻🙏🏻
Amazing efforts
Glad to hear that, Gaurav. 🙌🏼✨
Wow! Ken this is so beautifully shot and so amazing!!! Kudos to you my friend !! So proud! ❤️👍😘
Thanks so so much, dear Suchi! Very glad you enjoyed the film. You are the sweetest! ❤️❤️❤️
Really sad that it took me 2 years to find this documentary. It is a masterpiece that left me shook. All i could see was the sheer beauty of snow leopard and i could feel the pain when we are contributing to their decline. Thank you for making this documentary.
This documentary make me live the Snow leopard life.
We humans need to improve ourselves or the Earth die.
Extra ordinary documentary.... showing us the unseen on spiti valley
✌🏼😃😃
I was on an official work to the LEH Province of J&k and I witnessed 3 snow leopards, They were shy but majestic.
Kenneth, this is exquisite. The pristine place place and the world of wild life captured stunningly with your caressing camera. But what touches me the most is a 30 year old’s calling for Nature. Most boys your age would be in a city rut. Proud of you Kenneth, your vision and depth.
Thank you so so much, Sanjeevani! 😃❤️🙌🏻✨
One of the best short documentries I have watched so far.
One of the best documentaries I have watched on CZcams,truly magicc!
best documentary I've ever seen...Amazing..!!
Exceptional and nothing short of it. This is unlike the standard commissioned documentaries that are featured on Nat Geo or the Discovery or the Animal Planet. We need more such talented videographers. May your tribe increase.
Magnificent piece of work and an alarm for future of these poor innocent souls because of Humans😓
Wow, what a documentary. No words, just magnificent
This is incredible.
The amount of effort that went into making this should be appreciated by everyone.
Well done team. This is GOLD.
A true masterpiece
Left me in awe!
Amazing! Amazing! Amazing! One of the best documentaries I've ever watched.❤️❤️❤️
Magical!!!
Congrats that the film has won the best award; hope the essence of it wins over our promises to preservation of Nature.
I can't even imagine how good this documentary is.....
A perfect example of how to make a documentary......
Superb reminder of beautiful nature . Man must change his bad habits or else be destroyed in return.
absolutely stunning ! one of the best documentaries i have ever seen.
Goosebumps
Just love with this documentary❤❤
Never seen something like this...genius captures, out of world documentary.
one of the best documentary on snow leopard...Thanks, Mr.Kenneth Lawrence for your beautiful documentary....
Thank you, my friend. 😃
Stunning! Definitely well deserved winner and big congratulations to you. Cheers!!!
This is one of the most beautiful and favorite documentary on 2020 in Asia !
Thanks so much! 😃🙌🏻✨
Truly a masterpiece.
That's called a real masterpiece ❤️
These footage are absolutely stunning, hats off to your dedication and sacrifice 👏🏻👏🏻
Speechless all I can do is watch over and over again
Woohoo!
Woww!!! Its really amazing documentary it should have more views and likes you captured the real beauty of spiti valley. Its very disappointed to see the glaciers melting so fleetly. Once again appreciate to all members to show our valley so incredibly 😁
Masterpiece
Thank you for taking care of animals.
One of the best documentary I've seen and I adore their hard works filming beyond that challenging snowy rocky Mountains!!
😃🤙🏼
Mesmerising! Blown away by the beautiful photography and perfect narration.
Thank you so very very much.
Magnificent...!!
Imagine watching this masterpiece only to be disturbed by a zomato ad ....
Exactly why i hate CZcams
Btw excellent voice and excellent video...
Really a snow leopards have a tough life in spiti
How wonderfully written and depicted the sad life of the ghost of the snow/mountain. Ode to this elusive Uncea and my promise to do my bit for the sustainable environment of all.
Absolutely outstanding. Salute
"Ghost of the Snow" that's one beautiful line to express The Most Magestical creature on planet Earth.
Thank you for filming them n keeping us aware of our mistakes that effect their natural habitat..
🙌🏼🙌🏼
Wow. What a well made documentary. The message, the commentary, the beautiful shots of the magnificent creature. Great work guys. Top notch.
A masterpiece!! Hats off