Film Review: Couple Went Into the Jungle to Save Tree Kangaroos
Translation of the NRC article written by André Waardenburg, published on the 20th of October 2020. A review of the nature documentary ‘Into the Jungle’, about the conservation efforts of saving the Papua New Guinean Tree Kangaroo with Jean Thomas (Award winner 2010) in a leading role.
Documentary: Into the Jungle | Director: Mark Hanlin | Available in: 7 cinema’s in the Netherlands
The existence of tree kangaroos was only discovered in 1989. By then it was almost too late, the animal was nearly extinct. Mainly because they served as food for indigenous tribes living in Papua New Guinea. In order to save, in particular, the Tenkile tree kangaroo from extinction, newlywed Australian couple Jim and Jean Thomas moved to the remote island.
The exciting ‘Into the Jungle’ shows that an individual can make a difference when it comes to nature conservation.
The nature documentary ‘Into the Jungle’ tells their exciting story. The film shows that few can make a difference when it comes to nature conservation. This is mainly due to the passionate approach of Jim and Jean. With respect for the culture of the indigenous tribes, the couple set up all kinds of educational and other types of projects to safeguard the future of the tribes and their environment – an important rainforest in terms of biodiversity. A water project funded by the European Union has an important part to play in this.
The optimistic tone of ‘Into the Jungle’ makes a fine contribution to the nature documentary genre, with the heart-warming couple as an example to all of us. The modest contributions of influential role models Sir David Attenborough and Dr Jane Goodall, further underlining the importance of Jim & Jean’s mission, feel like an unnecessary effort to make the film more marketable.
