Chimpanzee: The Making of the Film – Christophe Boesch & Sanjida O’Connell (Signed by Jane Goodall)

– Foreword (and also signed by) Jane Goodall

In the hope that increased awareness will brighten the future for these great apes, Disneynature has released a film following in the footsteps of Earth, Oceans, and African Cats. That film is Chimpanzee. Chimpanzee: The Making of the Film chronicles the entire process of the movies creation, from the idea that the directors pitched to Disneynature, to the challenging filming that took place deep in the heart of Africa. Using their own words, the filmmakers discuss ground lost and ground won both in the context of the chimpanzees territory wars, and the progress of the film itself.
The filmmakers perseverance was rewarded when they happened upon the chimpanzees that would become the focal point of the movie: Oscar and Freddy. Orphaned at three, Oscar had little chance of surviving without a mother to nurse him and teach him to sustain himself. So it was quite surprising when the alpha male of the group, Freddy, adopted the baby and began taking care of him.  The heartwarming and remarkable relationship between these chimpanzees is captured within this book through anecdotes told by the filmmakers and stunning photographs taken in the Taï forest. Their story, as well as the story of the films production, will prompt both laughter and tears, so make sure to grab a hanky!