“A rich tapestry of emotion and drama, joy and sorrow, 20 years of love and rivalry within a tribe of chimpanzees in the forests of Tanzania, based on the research of naturalist Jane Goodall and captured by wildlife photographer Hugo van Lawick”

This lavishly filmed documentary is an amazing record of three generations of a chimpanzee family, filmed by legendary filmmaker Hugo van Lawick over a twenty year period in Gombe National Park (Tanzania), working alongside researcher Jane Goodall.

Jane Goodall spent much of her life documenting and protecting the endangered chimpanzees of Gombe in Tanzania. Her husband Hugo filmed her achievements and progress, resulting in the most complete and perceptive film study ever of chimpanzees living in their wild and natural habitat around Lake Tanganyika.

People of the Forest, which has won many awards, including two Emmys®, depicts the struggles between differing troops of chimpanzees, the predators they face and the forces of nature that impact their very own survival.

The story follows its main characters Flo, the clan matriarch, and Fifi, a young female who ascends from girlhood to become the clan matriarch.

This ground-breaking documentary shows various elements that are similar to our daily lives, such as adversity, jealousy, strife and reconciliation, the law of the jungle and family ties. It will leave you with a strong sense of empathy for chimps and a greater respect for these remarkable animals.

Filmed and produced by Hugo van Lawick.
Based on research by Jane Goodall.
Co-produced with Discovery Channel and the National Geographic Society (1991).

Imported 2-disc DVD set in slipcase.
Disc 1: 'People of the Forest: The Chimps of Gombe' (84 mins)
Disc 2: 'Return to People of the Forest' (52 mins) + 'Making of People of the Forest' (20 mins)

PLEASE NOTE: This is an imported DVD and the description on the box/packaging is not in English, but the main film and the bonus film both have a full, English soundtrack; the 'Making of' bonus footage is only narrated in Dutch.
People of the Forest was produced before modern, high-definition equipment was used – the video quality is comparable to that of VHS video, not today’s hi-def DVD quality.

To watch a preview of the Hugo van Lawick wildlife collection follow this link (opens in a new window)