The Ivory Game

Undercover exposé of Africa's elephant poaching crisis.

Watch on Netflix
About The Ivory Game

Released: 2016

Platform: Netflix

Rating: TV-14

Run time: 1h 52m

Cast

About The Ivory Game

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About

The Ivory Game is a 2016 documentary film that focuses on the global ivory trade and its impact on elephant conservation. The film was directed by Kief Davidson and Richard Ladkani and produced by Leonardo DiCaprio, with cinematography by Richard Ladkani.

The documentary follows undercover intelligence operatives, activists, and conservationists as they work to expose the criminal networks involved in the illegal ivory trade. It explores the demand for ivory in countries such as China and Vietnam, where it is sought after for its cultural and medicinal value, and the devastating consequences this has for elephant populations in Africa.

The Ivory Game provides a harrowing and eye-opening look into the illegal ivory trade, highlighting the urgent need for stricter regulations and increased global efforts to combat wildlife trafficking.

Making / Production

The Ivory Game was filmed over a period of 16 months in multiple locations across Africa and Asia. The filmmakers utilized hidden cameras and undercover investigations to capture the illegal activities of the ivory trade.

Leonardo DiCaprio, known for his environmental activism, served as an executive producer for the film and helped to bring attention to the urgent issue of elephant conservation. The documentary was produced in partnership with Terra Mater Films and Vulcan Productions.

Actors

  • Kief Davidson - Director
  • Richard Ladkani - Director, Cinematographer

Trivia / Interesting Facts

  • The Ivory Game premiered at the Telluride Film Festival in September 2016.
  • Leonardo DiCaprio was inspired to produce the documentary after joining a WildAid campaign to raise awareness about the illegal ivory trade.
  • The film has been praised for its stunning cinematography and powerful storytelling.

Awards

The Ivory Game received several awards and nominations, including:

  • News & Documentary Emmy Award for Outstanding Nature Documentary (2017) - Won
  • Black Reel Award for Outstanding Independent Documentary (2017) - Nominated

Quotes

  • "The Ivory Game is a powerful and urgent wake-up call. We hope that the film acts as a catalyst for the global community to take action and halt the demand for ivory." - Kief Davidson
  • "Our goal with The Ivory Game was to expose the corruption and criminality behind the ivory trade, and to provide a platform for the voices of those fighting to protect elephants." - Richard Ladkani

Music

The Ivory Game features an original score composed by H. Scott Salinas. The music complements the suspenseful and emotional tone of the documentary, enhancing the viewers' engagement with the subject matter.

Soundtrack

  • "The Ivory Game Theme" - H. Scott Salinas
  • "Battle for Awareness" - H. Scott Salinas
  • "Fatal Exchange" - H. Scott Salinas
  • "Arrest and Fallout" - H. Scott Salinas