The female species is often overlooked or ignored when it comes to positions of power and leadership, but that has never stopped the advancement of humans and animals alike. National Geographics newest wildlife series QUEENS, features female matriarchies around the world to tell a story of sacrifice and resilience but also of friendship and love. Guided and executive produced by award-winning actress Angela Bassett’s powerful narration, the series brings the natural world into focus through the female lens for the very first time.
Four years and twelve different countries in the making, helmed by an all-female-led production team from around the world. QUEENS premiered at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles on February 8, and will debut worldwide on Monday, March 4, on National Geographic and stream the next day on Disney+ and Hulu. The groundbreaking seven-part series leverages cutting-edge technology to reveal surprising insights into how females in the natural world rise to power.
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The academy premiere began with a live performance of the original score by composer Morgan Kibby. Welcome remarks followed shortly after from the President of National Geographic Courteney Monroe, reminding guests of the 135 years of award-winning cinematic storytelling. Before the screening, a surprise message from Hilary Clinton congratulating the production team for “flipping the male dominated script”. The former Senator was proud to introduce the first episode of African Queens filmed at The Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania, exploring the sisters of the lion pride, the hyena clan, and how each group interacts with one another. Faith Masumbe is the first black African woman to produce a natural history show.
The wildest places on the planet have always been home to powerful leaders, but this is a story of a new hero that is fierce, smart, and resilient. Relying on cooperation and wisdom over brute strength to get ahead, these queens are letting nothing come between them and the success and safety of their families.
QUEENS is dedicated to training and supporting women around the planet to help change the face of wildlife TV through multiple programs and initiatives including the Filed Ready Mentorship Program and the Wildstar Academy. Filed Ready launched in 2019, as a mentorship program that gives aspiring natural history filmmakers opportunity, access, and exposure into the industry. Munmun Dhalaria, a field ready recipient, worked as an assistant producer on the series. Wildstar Films developed a non-profit, Wildstar Academy, to provide in-depth training to underrepresented talent to empower, inspire, and shift the industry. Paula Kahumba serves as a board member and provides remarkable insight into what is missing and needed in wildlife storytelling.
After the episode screening, guests got another treat with the world premiere of the music video “Umi”, performed and written by Alewya Demmisse and Dean James Barratt in London, published by All Navigation Music. “Umi” means mother in Arabic and was “inspired by women and the essence of a woman on the planet beyond society as a woman is essential to life” said Alewya.
The final episode of the series celebrates the women who have gone to the ends of the Earth and dedicated their lives to documenting and protecting animal queens.
She isn’t called Mother Nature for nothing. All hail the QUEENS.
