Titled A Gorilla Story: Told by David Attenborough, the film offers an in-depth look at gorilla behaviour, social structures and lineage through the story of Pablo’s gorilla family. It is narrated by renowned naturalist David Attenborough, whose connection to Rwanda’s gorillas dates back to 1978 when he first visited Volcanoes National Park and encountered Pablo as an infant.
The documentary was produced by Silverback Films in collaboration with Appian Way Productions, the Rwanda Development Board, and the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.
Filming took place over an extended period in Volcanoes National Park, allowing filmmakers to capture rare insights into gorilla social dynamics, interactions and generational continuity. The production highlights the complexity of gorilla family life while underscoring Rwanda’s long-term conservation efforts.
Irène Murerwa, Chief Tourism Officer at the Rwanda Development Board, said the documentary reflects decades of sustained conservation work.
“Over the past two decades, Rwanda has made consistent progress in protecting and growing its mountain gorilla population through a conservation model that prioritises community partnership, sustainability, and long-term investment,” she said. “This documentary provides an opportunity to share that story with global audiences in a way that reflects both the science and the human effort behind it.”
Beyond conservation storytelling, the production also contributed to Rwanda’s tourism value chain by utilising local services such as accommodation, transport, guiding and permits. It further supported Rwanda’s creative sector by engaging local filmmakers and facilitating skills development through workshops coordinated by the Rwanda Film Office.
A cinematic screening of the documentary is scheduled to take place in London on April 21, 2026, bringing together stakeholders from conservation, media and the creative industries, with Rwanda’s conservation journey at the centre of the event.
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