#SSD25 > June 23-26, 2025
Golden Monkeys: Braving the Impossible to premiere at #SSD23!
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Screening
Golden Monkeys: Braving the Impossible to premiere at Sunny Side of the Doc!
Golden Monkeys: Braving the Impossible, the first episode of the documentary series “Wild Treasures of China” will hold its French premiere on June 20th during Sunny Side of the Doc 2023.
This year, golden monkeys will be spotted in La Rochelle! As part of the 34th edition of Sunny Side of the Doc, the international marketplace for documentary, a premiere screening of the first episode of "Wild Treasures of China" documentary series will be held in La Rochelle and will be open to both accredited participants and the general public.
The screening will be followed by a discussion between the film crew and the public.
Speakers: Yan SHI (CCTV-9), Hui SHI (CCTV-9), Manuel Catteau (ZED), Floran Sax (ZED), Patrick Morris (ZED), Ben Noot (National Geographic).
Useful info
How to attend?
Where? CGR Dragon, La Rochelle, 8 Cours des Dames
When? Tuesday 20th June - 6.00pm CEST
Entrance: free (subject to availability of seats)
Storyline
Golden Monkeys: Braving the Impossible
ZED in coproduction with CCTV-9, National Geographic, Arte France
Produced by: Manuel Catteau, Patrick Morris, Floran Sax.
It’s the midst of winter in one of Central China’s largest forests, in the province of Hubei. At the core of this quiet and majestic wilderness, some specks of gold loom: in this white landscape, the fur of the Golden-snub-nosed Monkeys shines brightly. This unique and sadly endangered species finds refuge in the depths of this preserved site. Even though some scientists have been able to study these little primates for more than 20 years, their behaviors remain little-known and all the more so captivating.
Sharing and helping others is a main factor of these monkeys’ survival. Even the excluded males need to form an alliance. We’re the privileged witnesses of the peculiar social mechanism which is at work amongst the golden snub-nosed monkeys. And if the alpha male wants to asserts its dominance, females are the driving force behind an intense power play. Amongst the Golden Monkeys, nothing is earned in advance!
Gently following the rhythm of the seasons, this episode of Wild Treasures of China documentary series offers rare footage of this fascinating species. Follow the fate of two families struggling for power and survival. With the very latest camera technology, a marvellous immersive experience is guaranteed. Not only do we attend the display of breathtaking images of the Chinese wildlife, but we also feel like we belong to the endearing ethnic group of the Golden Monkeys.
Trailer
Golden Monkeys: Braving the Impossible
ZED in coproduction with CCTV-9, National Geographic, Arte France
Produced by: Manuel Catteau, Patrick Morris, Floran Sax.
A sunny story...
...born in La Rochelle
The French producer-distributor Zed had teamed up with CCTV9 during Sunny Side of the Doc 2019, to produce “Wild Treasure of China,” a 4K-lensed wildlife documentary series. This year, the loop will be completed, as the first episode of the documentary series “Golden Monkeys: Braving the Impossible” will hold its French première during the market.