It’s the heart of winter, in one of Central China’s largest mountain forests, located in Hubei province. In the midst of this quiet, majestic wilderness, a few specks of gold stand out. A shiny fur that belongs to a unique and endangered species: the golden snub-nosed monkeys.
Although scientists have been studying these primates for over 20 years, their behavior remains little-known – and all the more captivating. The golden monkeys’ society may appear to be dominated by alpha males, but the power dynamics truly are within the hands of the females. To survive, each tribe member must help one another and defend their territory. But a group’s equilibrium is a precarious thing: amongst golden monkeys, the balance of power can be easily reversed, and no one is safe from exclusion…
Over the seasons, we follow the destinies of two families engaged in a struggle for power and survival. With exclusive access to state-of-the-art technology, this documentary offers a dazzling and moving immersion into the lives of these endearing monkeys.
Direction: Manuel Catteau, Floran Sax & Patrick Morris
Production: ZED, China Media Group, ARTE France & National Geographic