The documentary film “In the Realm of the Spider-Tailed Viper”, the latest production of the Wildlife Pictures Institute, has been selected for the competition section of the Wildscreen International Film Festival 2018 in Bristol, United Kingdom — marking its first international appearance.
This festival, regarded as the world’s most prestigious event in the field of wildlife film and television, is held biennially and presents the Golden Panda Award (Panda Award), also known as the “Green Oscar”, to its winners.
Directed by Fathollah Amiri and produced by Dr. Mohammad Ala, “In the Realm of the Spider-Tailed Viper” follows the search for one of the world’s rarest reptiles — the Spider-Tailed Viper, the most evolutionarily advanced viper species, found only in Iran. During the filming, the crew meets Mahmoud, a young farmer who helps them locate the viper — a journey that ultimately changes his life.
In its first international appearance, the film was nominated alongside two UK productions for the Golden Panda Award for Best New Talent, recognizing Mahmoud Mansouri, the film’s young cinematographer.
From a total of 792 films submitted from around the world, the festival jury selected the finalists across 17 categories, including Best Film, Short Film, Series, New Talent, and Best Cinematography.
Among the selected finalists are notable titles from the world’s leading wildlife production companies, including:
- Blue Planet II: One Ocean – produced by BBC World
- Planet Earth II – a co-production of BBC and ZDF
- Earth: One Amazing Day – produced by BBC Earth
- The Zoo – produced by BBC Studios
- The Law of the Lions – produced by Terra Mater
- Attenborough’s Ant Mountain – a co-production of BBC and ABC
- The Protectors – produced by National Geographic
- Giraffes: Africa’s Gentle Giants – produced by BBC Natural World
Films from other international broadcasters, including Al Jazeera (Qatar), Germany, Austria, Canada, and several other countries, are also featured in this event.
The Wildscreen 2018 festival, in its 36th edition, will be held from October 15 to 19 (Mehr 23–27, 2018) in Bristol, United Kingdom.
Promotional teaser of “In the Realm of the Spider-Tailed Viper” at Wildscreen 2018 (Teaser created and edited by Majid Mohammaddoost)
