THE MISSION

In the 1800s over 100,000 Wild Cheetahs roamed Africa and Asia, today less than 7,500 remain worldwide. In South Africa only 900 remain.

The high demand for luxurious Cheetah fur in the Early 20th Century severely diminished Cheetah Populations across these continents.

Poaching and a high cub mortality rate has caused the Cheetah to suffer its current plight.

But through projects like this one and the efforts of a remarkable group of individuals we can Educate and further ensure Conservation efforts for this magnificent creature. The Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre, is the leading private research and breeding facility for endangered species in South Africa; a non-profit organization, their work in Cheetah Population restoration and recovery is outstanding. The filmmakers hope to document the mission of the Centre and educate the public about Cheetah rescue, rehabilitation and release.

“The aim of the project is to educate, and highlight the importance of Conservation efforts worldwide. We have secured support from the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre, so that we can gain unprecedented access to their state of the art facility and educate others about the remarkable work occurring there. Since its inception in 1990, the Centre has been at the forefront of Cheetah Conservation efforts and garnered numerous accolades for their success in restoring Cheetah populations in South Africa.”

Our 40 Minute Documentary will be made available to Zoos, Educators and Conservation Groups at no cost so that they may integrate our film into Educational Outreach programs and curriculums, The film will also be submitted to film festivals Worldwide in order to help spread our message.

ABOUT THE FILMMAKERS

The Documentary is being Produced and written by Student Academy Award nominee Marilu O’lyaryz, and filmed by Award Winning Videographer Brian O’lyaryz.

“My passion and love for wildlife and nature has not faltered, since an early age I knew I wanted to be involved in both Film and Conservation. In college, I studied Ecosystems and Biology extensively.  Professionally, while I focused to establish myself in the television and film industry, I never forgot the overall goal was always to produce meaningful content that could assist in spreading the message of some of our most profound Conservationists.  I’ve finally been given this opportunity and I am sure this will be the first of many successful films.” - Marilu O'lyaryz

THE PROCESS 

The filmmakers will set off on a ten day filming expedition in South Africa. The film will then be edited in the United States and be available to Zoos, Educators and Conservation Groups as well as entered in Film Festivals. You can follow their expedition through Twitter (@cheetah_movie) and the films official blog www.cheetahmovie.com 

"I believe that we have an obligation to future generations to make right what previous generations have wronged; this is my attempt to do so, If we can educate and enlighten others to understand that without our immediate action our children will never have the opportunity to see firsthand wild Cheetahs running free.  We need to attempt to make longterm change a reality, without this then what can we honestly teach our children about what is just and what is not? Without your support we cannot accomplish this." ~ Marilu O'lyaryz

**All Backers will have exclusive access to our on the Field Video Journal where we will be making daily posts from the field!**