M.Samuels Media

Conservation Awareness

MSM partnered with Volcom to produce The Last Orangutans, an award-winning short film capturing the beauty and fragility of orangutans in one of their last remaining wild habitats: the jungles of Sumatra. This film served as a cornerstone for Volcom’s fashion collaboration with the Sumatran Orangutan Society, aiming to raise awareness about the critical conservation efforts needed to save these remarkable animals. Shot on location in Indonesia’s Leuser National Park, the film provides an intimate look at the orangutans and the complex social and environmental issues that threaten their survival.

Conceptualizing and Scripting for a Global Conservation Message

To craft a story that would resonate globally, we developed a script that highlighted the urgency of orangutan conservation while celebrating the species’ resilience. Through interviews with government officials, local villagers, and NGO representatives, the narrative wove together the voices of those directly involved in preserving the orangutans’ habitat. Each interview revealed perspectives on both the challenges and solutions, framing the story in a way that was both informative and emotionally compelling.

Cinematography: Capturing the Majestic Yet Precarious World of Orangutans

Our cinematography focused on immersing viewers in the lush environment of Leuser National Park, the orangutans’ habitat. With carefully chosen shots of dense jungles, the breathtaking landscape underscored the stark contrast between the beauty of this ecosystem and the threats it faces. Close-up footage of the orangutans in their natural setting captured their expressions and behaviors, allowing audiences to connect deeply with these intelligent, endangered animals and to recognize the importance of their preservation.

Post-Production: Weaving a Story of Hope and Urgency

In post-production, our editing and sound design conveyed both the tranquility of the Sumatran jungle and the urgency of the conservation mission. The film’s pacing allowed moments of beauty to blend with sobering interviews, balancing the film’s message of hope with a call to action. Through carefully crafted transitions and a resonant score, the narrative emphasized that protecting these last orangutans requires collaboration and commitment from the global community.

A Lasting Impact for Conservation

The Last Orangutans stands as both a tribute to Sumatra’s orangutans and a powerful tool for conservation awareness. M. Samuels Media’s collaboration with Volcom and the Sumatran Orangutan Society not only provided visibility to these endangered animals but also inspired viewers to consider their role in conservation efforts. This short film brings attention to an urgent cause and highlights the collective action needed to safeguard the future of one of the world’s most intelligent and endangered species.

Project Highlights

The Last Orangutans stands as both a tribute to Sumatra’s orangutans and a powerful tool for conservation awareness. MSM’s collaboration with Volcom and the Sumatran Orangutan Society not only provided visibility to these endangered animals but also inspired viewers to consider their role in conservation efforts. This short film brings attention to an urgent cause and highlights the collective action needed to safeguard the future of one of the world’s most intelligent and endangered species.