WILD DAZE Film Review — If It Doesn’t Challenge You, It Cannot Change You

SAVE THE WILD, SAVE YOURSELF is the WILD DAZE slogan

Like peeling an onion, this film tackles the complicated and interconnected issues of Africa’s natural resources being plundered. AFRICA IS NOT POOR, is a re-occurring statement. The messages are clear. Elephants and rhinoceroses are being killed for ivory.  Soon they will become extinct if action isn’t taken soon to stop their slaughter.   The ivory is sold illegally for cash and weapons. The cash and weapons go to warlords, Al Qaida and corrupt officials. The supply chain smuggling illegal ivory also is involved in human trafficking, child labor, and drugs.

Wild Daze is divided into three acts: Crime and Corruption, Human/ Wildlife Conflict and Legal and Illegal Hunting. What role do US citizens play in the extinction of these majestic creatures? How are elephants, rainforests and savannahs connected to climate change? How do we stem illegal international trade and terrorism?  SAVE THE WILD, SAVE YOURSELF is the film’s moniker.

Many, like this writer, might find the BEWARE OF WILD ANIMALS sign in the film quite ironic.   Do we need to fear wild animals more than we need to fear fellow humans?

Viewers interested in learning more about wildlife conservation, the poaching crisis of elephants and rhinoceroses, Africa, global economics, international crime and terrorism, will engage with this film.  People looking for a travel film about photo safaris or dancing Maasai warriors should probably look elsewhere.

Reviewer’s Advisory: WILD DAZE includes graphic and disturbing scenes of violence to humans and animals alike.

Editor's Note-The director of this film clarifies, "I wanted to share the fact that I couldn't find Black Africans to appear on camera...I filmed one KTN journalist in the movie (but in hiding behind a gas station as this famous on-air newsman had just named kingpin poacher names and was hiding for his life)...others I approached or filmed, could be fired, or disappeared for $20 for speaking the truth or for even mildly criticizing officials." "Even white and very famous NGO leaders cannot speak out on camera...they will be kicked out of the country or imprisoned."