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Kavuki Bokan

The story of çirgan (Otis tarda) and its struggle for survival

Kavukî Bokan is a heartfelt exploration of the endangered life of one of Kurdistan’s most breathtaking and majestic land birds. The çirgan, once a proud symbol of the green plains of Kurdistan, has now been reduced to a fragile population of just 30 in all of Iran. This rare and beautiful species, now on the brink of extinction, is a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between nature and human activity.

Through stunning visuals and a deeply emotional narrative, Kavukî Bokan takes us on a journey to the heart of Bokan in Kurdistan, where the last remaining Great Bustards struggle for survival. Their habitats, once vast and unbroken, have been devastated by human expansion and environmental changes. With only 30 to 40 birds left, the film sheds light on the urgency of the situation, offering insight into the causes behind their decline and the critical steps needed to save them from disappearing forever.

Filmed over the course of five years and told in the Kurdish language, Kavukî Bokan captures, for the first time, the extraordinary courtship display of the male Great Bustard—a rare event that occurs only during the first 15 days of April. This breathtaking footage offers a glimpse into a vanishing world. More than just a documentary, this film is a call to action, urging viewers to reflect on the fragile beauty of nature and the responsibility we all share in protecting it.

  • Nima Asgari
    Director
  • Fathollah Amiri
    Producer
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    Kavukî Bokan کەڤۆکی بۆکان
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Genres:
    wildlife, nature, Birds, Animal, Kurdistan
  • Runtime:
    52 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    September 1, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    25,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Iran, Islamic Republic of
  • Country of Filming:
    Iran, Islamic Republic of
  • Language:
    Kurdish
  • Shooting Format:
    UHD
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Nima Asgari

Leading Iranian Wildlife Documentary Filmmaker

Nima Asgari is a distinguished Iranian documentary filmmaker celebrated for his captivating and impactful wildlife films that bring attention to the importance of environmental conservation. With a solid background in environmental science, Asgari seamlessly blends his technical knowledge with artistic storytelling to create compelling documentaries that have earned international acclaim.

Notable Works:

Operation Leopard: This groundbreaking documentary offers a rare glimpse into the world of the elusive Iranian leopard, focusing on its natural behaviors and the challenges of conservation efforts in its native habitat. The film’s unique approach provides an intimate portrayal of one of Iran’s most endangered species.
Ranger and Leopard: Awarded the top prize at the 21st Gran Paradiso Film Festival in Italy and the prestigious Jackson Hole Award in the USA, this film intricately explores the bond between park rangers and the Iranian leopard. Through personal stories and real-life encounters, it highlights the essential conservation efforts required to protect this majestic animal.
Houbara: This documentary delves into the life of the Houbara bustard, an iconic bird species in Iran. By addressing the critical threats of illegal hunting and trafficking, the film advocates for sustainable conservation practices, shedding light on the need for awareness and action to protect vulnerable species.
Warden: Focusing on an environmental expert’s dedication to increasing wildlife populations in the central Alborz mountains, “Warden” provides an in-depth look at the challenges and triumphs of conservation work. It captures the spirit and determination needed to preserve Iran’s natural heritage.
Wild Moments of Iran: A comprehensive 25-episode series showcasing Iran’s diverse and unique wildlife, narrated by dedicated park rangers who share their first-hand experiences and observations. This series is a celebration of Iran’s natural beauty and the people committed to its preservation.
Awards and Honors:

Jackson Hole Award, USA: First Prize in the Human and Nature category for “Ranger and Leopard.”
Green Screen Award, Germany: Honored for “Ranger and Leopard,” reinforcing Asgari’s status as a prominent voice in wildlife documentary filmmaking.
Style and Approach:

Nima Asgari’s documentaries are renowned for their authenticity, rare footage, and a strong narrative focus on pressing environmental issues. His work is designed to educate, inspire, and motivate audiences about the importance of preserving endangered species and their habitats, serving as a powerful call to action for environmental stewardship.

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Director Statement

Filming Kavukî Bokan was an intense journey that took over five years to complete. Finding the remaining Great Bustards in Kurdistan was no easy task, and we spent months tracking their movements, often without success. Their low numbers made each encounter feel precious, but capturing their true beauty and struggle was our ultimate goal.

One of the biggest challenges was filming the rare courtship display of the male Great Bustard. After several failed attempts and hours of waiting, we finally succeeded in capturing this incredible moment. This film is the result of relentless effort and dedication, and I hope it serves as a reminder of the urgent need to protect these endangered birds and their fragile habitat.