A new Imax documentary film, The Elephant Odyssey, is currently in production. The film chronicles the highly unusual 18-month trek of a herd of elephants in China that began in early 2020.

The herd, which deviated from their usual habitat and marched over 1,000 kilometers (600 miles) across remote Yunnan Province, attracted global attention, including live-streamed drone footage. Along the way, they raided grain stores, indulged in impromptu village feasts and messy mud fights, and even gave birth.

The reasons for the herd’s long journey are unclear, but wildlife experts have pointed to climate change and the failure of conservation efforts.

The film is directed by Alice Gu, whose previous credits include the documentary The Donut King. It is filmed with Imax-certified cameras and will feature exclusive footage of the elephants’ journey.

The film is co-produced by Imax, Beach House Pictures, and China Review Studio. It is associated with the Foreign Languages Press and Lucent Pictures.

John Turner, head of documentaries for Imax, said: “The 18-month journey of the Yunnan elephants at the height of the pandemic was a hopeful antidote to the lockdowns many of us were enduring. We wanted to know more about these animals and why it happened. Together with Beach House Pictures, China Review Studio and director Alice Gu, this will be an immersive wildlife documentary like no other.”

Donovan Chan, creative director of Beach House Pictures, said: “This is a prime example of the premium Asia-to-the-World collaborations that Beach House Pictures excel at and we are proud to be making our first Imax film with China Review Studio. I have no doubt that the incredible elephants and people we will meet and the stunning places we will uncover will surprise and delight audiences, and inspire us to do more to repair and protect our fragile relationship with Mother Nature.”

Daniel Manwaring, CEO of IMAX China, said: “Telling great stories has always been a core part of Imax’s DNA, and we’re thrilled to bring this fascinating story from China to the world.”

Chen Fang, director of China Review Studio, CICG, said: “The documentary film ‘The Elephant Odyssey’ is a deep exploration that goes beyond the fascinating journey of the Asian elephants that moved north and south, uncovering previously unknown, touching stories.”

The film is scheduled to be released in Imax theaters in 2023.