Don't Look Down

The story of five orphaned baby monkeys in South Africa and the struggle to save their home. The Vervet Forest tells the story of five orphaned baby Vervet monkeys rescued by a few compassionate humans in South Africa. The film documents the monkeys' arrival as helpless infants at the Vervet Monkey Foundation, following their growth into intelligent, playful juveniles until they are adopted by foster mother monkeys and integrated into one of the foundation's existing troops. Meanwhile, outside the foundation, the ever-evolving landscape of South Africa sparks conversations about the causes of monkey habitat destruction, the role of humans in a struggling ecosystem, and how understanding the connection between ourselves and our environment can inspire positive action. —Kyle Salazar