Sky Documentaries announces ‘enviro-thriller’ documentary ‘Gabon: Earth’s Last Chance’

June 5, 2024 – Sky has today announced a brand-new Sky Original feature documentary Gabon: Earth’s Last Chance, launching on Sky Documentaries and streaming service NOW on Monday 24 June.

Over 85 minutes, the ‘enviro-thriller’ documentary feature tells the extraordinary story of scientist Professor Lee White from Manchester, who ended up becoming the Environment Minister of Gabon in central Africa.

Gabon – part of the second largest rainforest in the world and almost 90% forested – is one of only eight countries remaining that absorbs more carbon than it emits, earning the nickname ‘The Lungs of Africa’. Known as a treasure trove of biodiversity, Gabon is also home to one of the world’s largest populations of Western lowland gorillas and half of Africa’s Forest elephants.

The documentary charts the unlikely pairing of Lee White and Gabon’s President Ali Bongo, which sees White’s role becoming instrumental in the global fight against rainforest destruction and climate change. It charts his battle with corruption, crime cartels and the red tape of climate negotiations in a desperate attempt to save one of the world’s most important natural habitats before it’s too late.

Hayley Reynolds, Commissioning Editor at Sky said: “Climate stories have never been more vital, and the ongoing fight to preserve the rainforests of Gabon is one we all have a stake in. As a signatory of the Climate Content Pledge, Sky is committed to using its content to raise awareness of the climate crisis, and we are incredibly proud to be showcasing the story of Gabon has emerged as a trailer-blazer in the global fight for environmental conservation. It’s a gripping, complex but ultimately inspiring story which we hope will give audiences a deeper understanding of this important and timely issue.”

Will Anderson, Executive Producer at Keo Films said: “The team behind Gabon: Earth’s Last Chance have tracked the inspiring conservation work of Lee White and Ali Bongo; an unlikely duo who came together to try to make a significant and urgent imprint on our world. It is time for leaders to step up to the challenge of climate change, and it’s been a privilege to document their incredible efforts to change attitudes and attempt to make a notable impact to our planet’s future”.

Produced by Keo Films, in association with Sky Studios. The Sky Original film is commissioned by Zai Bennett, Sky’s Managing Director Content, alongside Poppy Dixon, Director of Documentaries and Factual, Sky UK&I and Hayley Reynolds, Commissioning Editor, Sky UK&I.

International distribution is managed by NBCUniversal Global Distribution on behalf of Sky Studios. Gabon: Earth’s Last Chance is filmed and directed by Gavin Searle, executive produced by Will Anderson, Andrew Palmer and Adrian Pennink and produced and co-directed by Shell Coe.

Gabon: Earth’s Last Chance will air from Monday 24 June on Sky Documentaries and streaming service NOW.

Gabon: Earth’s Last Chance will air from Monday 24 June on Sky Documentaries and streaming service NOW.