A new documentary offering an unprecedented look at orangutans is set to air on German public broadcaster ARD on . “Orang-Utans – So nah wie nie” (Orangutans – Closer Than Ever), from filmmakers Jens Westphalen and Thoralf Grospitz, promises to reveal the lives of these great apes from a perspective never before seen on television, utilizing advanced drone technology to capture footage from within the rainforest canopy.
The film centers on Sati, a female orangutan, and her daughter Huyan, following their daily routines – navigating the heights of the Bornean rainforest, foraging for food, and interacting with other wildlife. The documentary also captures a significant behavioral discovery: the use of tools by orangutans. Previously, tool use was largely associated with chimpanzees, and this observation underscores the remarkable adaptability of these primates.
Westphalen and Grospitz are recognized for their expertise in filming elusive wildlife, and their work has garnered numerous accolades at German nature film festivals, including the 2025 German Nature Film Award and recognition at the Green Screen Festival. This latest project builds on their established reputation for emotionally resonant and visually stunning nature documentaries.
Beyond showcasing the beauty and intelligence of orangutans, the film addresses the critical threat to their survival: habitat destruction due to the expansion of palm oil plantations. The documentary highlights the plight of Addy, an orphaned orangutan receiving care at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in Borneo, where she is being prepared for eventual release back into the wild. This segment serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of deforestation and the urgent need for conservation efforts.
The documentary’s release comes at a time of heightened awareness regarding the impact of human activity on endangered species. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) actively works to protect orangutans and their forest homes, recognizing the crucial role these animals play in maintaining the biodiversity of the region. The film is expected to further amplify these conservation messages.
The timing of the broadcast is also notable given recent scrutiny of environmental issues within the entertainment industry. Documentaries focusing on wildlife and conservation are increasingly gaining prominence, reflecting a growing audience interest in these topics. The use of cutting-edge drone technology to capture the footage also represents a shift in filmmaking techniques, allowing for a more immersive and intimate portrayal of animal behavior.
ARD’s decision to schedule the documentary during primetime underscores the public broadcaster’s commitment to environmental programming. The film will also be available on the ARD Mediathek streaming platform starting , providing wider accessibility to audiences.
While the documentary focuses specifically on orangutans in Borneo, it resonates with broader concerns about the global biodiversity crisis. The film’s depiction of habitat loss and the challenges faced by orphaned orangutans serves as a microcosm of the threats facing countless species around the world. The filmmakers’ approach, combining stunning visuals with a compelling narrative, aims to inspire viewers to support conservation efforts and advocate for sustainable practices.
The documentary’s focus on the adaptability of orangutans, particularly their newly observed tool use, also adds a layer of scientific intrigue. This discovery challenges existing understandings of primate behavior and highlights the ongoing need for research and exploration in the field of primatology. The film’s ability to capture this behavior on camera is a testament to the skill and patience of Westphalen and Grospitz.
The story of Addy, the orphaned orangutan, provides a powerful emotional core to the documentary. Her journey through the rehabilitation center offers a glimpse of hope amidst the challenges facing the species. The Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre plays a vital role in rescuing and rehabilitating orphaned and injured orangutans, providing them with the skills and support they need to survive in the wild. The film’s portrayal of this work is likely to raise awareness about the importance of these conservation initiatives.
The documentary’s release follows a recent trend in high-quality nature filmmaking, driven by advancements in technology and a growing demand for compelling environmental storytelling. ARD’s “Erlebnis Erde” series has consistently delivered impactful documentaries that explore the natural world, and “Orang-Utans – So nah wie nie” is poised to continue that tradition. The film’s combination of stunning visuals, scientific discovery, and emotional resonance makes it a significant contribution to the genre.
