ZDF Studios Acquires Cheetah Fast & Wild

ZDF Studios has picked up the worldwide distribution rights, excluding Canada, for the one-hour film Cheetah Fast & Wild, produced by Fast Cat Films for CBC.

The documentary follows the story of two cheetah sisters who were orphaned as cubs when their mother was killed by lions. After 19 months in captivity, they have the chance to learn to become successful, wild hunters in a South African wildlife reserve through a “wilding” program devised by Ashia Cheetah Conservation.

If the two sisters are successful, they will be able to spend the rest of their lives in a wild nature reserve, where they will be part of a carefully managed cheetah metapopulation of over 500 cats in 75 reserves. Together, these cheetahs are a vital source of genetic diversity. Their offspring are often translocated across Southern Africa to found new cheetah populations.

The film challenges the scientific consensus that captive-raised cheetahs can never learn to hunt because they’ve never lived in the wild or had the daily experience of watching and learning at their mother’s side.

“Cheetah Fast & Wild is a powerful example of how innovative conservation can drive real change,” said Nikolas Hülbusch, Director Unscripted at ZDF Studios. “We are delighted to bring this inspiring and visually stunning documentary to international audiences.”

Joe Kennedy, director and cinematographer of Fast Cat Films, added, “This film tells a story many believed was impossible. Watching these cheetahs learn to survive in the wild is deeply moving and offers real hope for the future of the species.”