Trudging through the Borneo swamp forest encountering leaches, snakes and monitor lizards is all in a days work for WWF Malaysia CEO, Dr Dino Sharma. In fact, it is within these jungles of Malaysia that Dino finds the peace he has sought since childhood. Speaking candidly about the effect that the jungle can have on the soul of a man, this remarkable conservationist takes us on a journey to meet the custodians of the shrinking rainforest – the Orang-utans and the Pygmy elephants. It is a film about hope, diplomacy in dealing with loggers, immense beauty and solitude.

Edge of the Forest takes us behind the scenes to the world renowned Sepilok Orang-utan Rehabilitation centre that cares for orphaned Orang-utans and teaches them the skills they need to fend for themselves. It is a magical journey filled with weird and wonderful creatures and the dedicated human beings that seek to protect them. (http://www.wwf.org.my)

THE EXPERIENCE

Filmed entirely on location in the Borneo Rainforest swamp, Edge of the Forest challenged the team to the edge of filmmaking. Trudging through thigh high swamp water, fighting off leaches and mosquitoes and dealing with camera gear that was pushed to it’s limits due to incessant rain and high humidity, the team nevertheless counts this experience as one of their best ever filmmaking experience. Social anthropologist and animal lover director Marisa van Jaarsveld says that being able to film wild Orang-utans in their natural habitat and working with people who dedicate their lives to protecting them and their shrinking habitat has left a profound impression on her. She hopes that this film will inspire others as the making of has inspired her.