African Cats (2011)

A nature documentary centered on two cat families and how they teach their cubs the ways of the wild.

Directors:

Keith Scholey, Alastair Fothergill (co-director)

Writers:

Keith Scholey (narration written by), John Truby (narration written by)

Stars:

Samuel L. Jackson, Patrick Stewart, Mara

3 nominations.

Cast

Credited cast:
Samuel L. Jackson	...	Narrator (voice)
Patrick Stewart	...	Narrator (voice)
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Mara	...	Herself

Storyline

A nature documentary centered on two cat families and how they teach their cubs the ways of the wild.

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Plot Keywords:

cat | maasai mara national reserve kenya | extreme closeup | giraffe | swimming animal | 

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Taglines:

In an untamed land, every mother has one mission: protect her family.

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Genres:

Documentary | Adventure

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Certificate:

G

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

22 April 2011 (USA)

Also Known As:

Felinos de África

Filming Locations:

Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

Box Office

Budget:

$5,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$6,003,200, 24 April 2011

Gross USA:

$15,428,747

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$30,857,747

Company Credits

Production Co:

Disneynature, Fothergill / Scholey Productions, Walt Disney Studios

Technical Specs

Sound Mix:

SDDS DTS Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

This wildlife documentary features lions, cheetahs, Cape buffalo herds, Nile crocodiles, hyenas, African bush elephants, giraffes, hippopotami, wildebeest herds, rhinos, Thompson's gazelles, warthogs, ostriches, jackals, and zebras.

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Crazy Credits

During the entire run of the end credits, animals (shown in short clips) have been "credited" for being part of the production stuff. For example "Masai Giraffe - Crane Operators".

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Alternate Versions

In the U.S. version Samuel L. Jackson narrates while Patrick Stewart narrates the U.K. version.

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Connections

Edited into Growing Up Wild (2016)

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Soundtracks

The World I Knew
Written by Josiah Dean and Ryan Tedder
Performed by Jordin Sparks Thomas

User Reviews

Cats Conquer

Alastair Fothergill and Keith Scholey bring a charming little documentary set in the Kenyan Savannah. The film has been edited tightly to tell a coherent story and add a more dramatic feel. What sets it apart from watching a documentary on Animal Planet or Discovery Channel is that the viewer does not get the feel that he/she is watching a documentary. It feels like watching a feature film where the lionesses and the cheetahs are the protagonists. It is beautifully shot with stunning cinematography and a brilliant soundtrack with the exception of the Jordinn Sparks track that takes place during the closing credits. But watch the closing credits as it's hilarious seeing how the animals have been credited. Samuel L. Jackson's husky voice excellently narrates the story. It centers around Sita the cheetah and her cubs and Laila the lioness and her daughter Mara. And the presentation of the 'characters' are very well done as the viewer can easily relate to them and root for them. The elements of adventure, suspense and even comedy are brilliantly balanced in this wildlife tale. Given that the title is 'African Cats', I missed seeing the leopard. But anyway, 'African Cats' is overall refreshing, entertaining and heartwarming and a nice reminder of why some of us love animals.