Created by Terra Mater Studios and Four Corners Film and Photography, in association with FOUR PAWS International, Dethroned investigates humanity's shifting relationship with big cats and the consequences of exploitation across continents, say the NPO.

The film was recently honoured with a Gold Award at the 2025 International Tourism Film Festival Africa (ITFFA) in the Wildlife and Conservation category, recognising its depth, impact and contribution to global conversations on animal welfare, adds the NPO.

A Global Journey Into the World of Big Cat Exploitation

Dethroned follows award-winning environmental photojournalist Aaron Gekoski as he uncovers some of the most pressing threats facing big cats today. Once revered as symbols of power, wonder and fear, these animals now face widespread exploitation driven by commercial demand, wildlife trafficking and inadequate legislation, says the NPO.

According to Gekoski's investigation spans several regions, each revealing a different facet of the industry:

Peru: Jaguar poaching and the illegal wildlife trade.
South Africa: Commercial breeding of lions and tigers, cub-petting, "walk-with" experiences and live trade.
Pakistan: The growing trend of big cats kept as exotic pets.
Southeast Asia: Wildlife markets, entertainment attractions and trade linked to illegal networks.

Across these moments, the film asks, "What becomes of us when we destroy what is sacred?"

Telling a Story That is Often Hidden

Producing Dethroned required access, persistence and collaboration. The filmmakers spent extensive time in challenging environments, documenting practices rarely seen by the public yet representing the daily reality for many big cats across the globe, says the NPO.

"Dethroned is a film that I actually wish I had never had to make. But given the threat that big cats are now facing, it is perhaps the most important film I have ever worked on. We spent three years filming in six countries; the result is a journey into the depths of the inhumane treatment of these animals and what becomes of us when we destroy all that is sacred," says Gekoski.

A Milestone for FOUR PAWS' Mission

As a global animal welfare organisation, FOUR PAWS says it continues to advocate for:

  • ending captive breeding of all big cats for commercial purposes
  • stronger legal protections across regions, and
  • ending public handling, cub-petting and other exploitative tourism activities.

"With this documentary, we want to show that our relationship with big cats is at a very critical point. Little remains of the former reverence. On the contrary: we lock the animals up, we trade in them and their body parts, we keep them as pets," says Fiona Miles, Director at FOUR PAWS.

"In short, we systematically exploit them and take away their dignity. Our aim was to show how things got to this point and what consequences this has for animals, people and the environment," adds Miles.

Dethroned aims to strengthen this mission by offering a compelling and accessible educational tool that helps audiences understand the urgency of big cat protection, both in South Africa and around the world, says the NPO.

The NPO says that the momentum behind the film reflects a shared truth: ending big cat exploitation requires global collaboration, informed audiences and sustained advocacy.

With its streaming release on Curiosity Stream and more viewing options to follow, Dethroned aims to be placed in a position to reach new audiences, spark essential conversations and inspire meaningful action, concludes the NPO.

For more information, visit www.four-paws.org.za. 

*Image courtesy of contributor