National Geographic Unveils Fall Slate

National Geographic has announced its fall slate of natural-history documentaries, series and specials, including the digital premiere of Akashinga: The Brave Ones.

From three-time Academy Award winner James Cameron and directed by Maria Wilhelm, the documentary film Akashinga: The Brave Ones centers on the titular conservation model founded in Zimbabwe by former Australian special forces soldier and anti-poaching leader Damien Mander. It follows the women-only team of rangers, drawn from the abused and marginalized, as they revolutionize the way animals are protected, communities are empowered and how its members’ own lives are transformed. It is set to air on World Elephant Day on August 12.

Narrated by Emmy-nominated and Oscar-winning actor Jeremy Irons (Watchmen), the one-hour special Jade Eyed Leopard hails from world-renowned filmmakers, National Geographic Explorers and wildlife conservationists Dereck and Beverly Joubert. Premiering on Nat Geo WILD on September 7, it reveals the first three years of a leopard named Toto’s life as she learns the fundamental skills of survival and makes her passage to adulthood.

Other titles set for National Geographic debuts include the three-week event for the fourth season of Savage Kingdom, narrated by Game of Thrones’ Charles Dance; and The Real Black Panther, a one-hour special following the only black panther in the entire Kabini Forest. Meanwhile, the two-part event special Photo Ark, which follows Nat Geo’s Joel Sartore on his quest to use the power of photography to inspire people to save species at risk by photographing every species living in the world’s zoos and wildlife sanctuaries; and two-parter March of the Polar Bears, about a team of polar bear guides that embark on a first-ever attempt to follow polar bears traversing the sea ice of Hudson Bay, are slated to bow on Nat Geo WILD.

Geoff Daniels, executive VP of unscripted global entertainment, said: “Visually spectacular cinematography that will take your breath away. Awe-inspiring narratives told from the animal’s perspective. Exploring the hidden phenomena of our planet. These are all hallmarks of National Geographic natural history programming. By partnering with the best-in-class storytellers, we create thrilling onscreen experiences powered by cutting-edge visual technologies that move audiences around the world to fall in love with our planet.”