For one a dream, the other a rendezvous.
In the heart of the Tibetan highlands, multi-award-winning nature photographer Vincent Munier guides writer Sylvain Tesson on his quest to document the infamously elusive snow leopard, the Velvet Queen of the film’s title.
Sighting of the snow leopard is rare because of locale and camouflage. It hides in plain sight, blending into its environment. Indeed, audiences will need to keep a sharp eye out to spot the leopard the first time it appears on screen such is the prowess of its ability to blend in to its environment.
The subject and setting captured by the superb cinematography elevates THE VELVET QUEEN in arguably the best nature documentary of the year, but its ascendancy into the sublime is provided by the relationship of the two humans.
Munier introduces Tesson to the subtle art of waiting from a blind spot, tracking animals, and finding the patience to catch sight of the beasts. Through their journey in the Tibetan peaks, inhabited by invisible presences, the two men ponder humankind’s place amongst the magnificent creatures and glorious landscapes they encounter along the way.
Munier and Tesson are two cool cats riffing philosophically as they await an audience with another really cool cat.
And while they wait and whisper, a wonderful world of wildlife gifts their patience. Yaks, bears, antelope, and other terrestrial, subterranean and avian creatures grace their vista, adding more awe against awe inspiring views of the Himalaya.
Director Marie Amiguet and her boys have captured a remarkable film, contemplative, meditative, spiritual, unique.
To augment the palpable poetic lyricism in the lensing, THE VELVET QUEEN boasts a score by Warren Ellis and Nick Cave, subtle, sombre and pitch perfect, providing a soul salving song, We Are Not Alone, for the film’s finale.
THE VELVET QUEEN screens at Palace Central, Palace Norton and Chauvel, Paddington.
You can see the trailer here.
