LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Harry Turner, a former British soldier deployed to Afghanistan at the age of 18, was struggling with PTSD and depression when he decided to try something completely new in the Peruvian Amazon.
Far from home and civilization, Turner found joy in caring for Ocelot kittens. The kitten was released back into the wild through her conservation group Hoja Nueva, started by her girlfriend Samantha Zwicker.
Their triumphs and tribulations are at the heart of the documentary “Wildcat,” shot deep in the rainforest and premieres Friday on Amazon’s Prime Video.
The film opens on a tender note about Turner falling in love with the playful Ocelot Khan, but darkens when Khan is killed in an accident, Turner despairs and Zwicker worries about him.
Later, they get a call from a friend that an Ocelot kitten was found by a logger and little Keanu saves Turner from his grief.
According to Turner, people have expressed gratitude for the graphic portrayal of post-traumatic stress disorder and depression.
“They realized that I was vulnerable on screen and that I was able to show a side of depression that many movies fail to realistically show,” Turner told Reuters. “I think the only way we made it through was by being completely honest.”
The documentary was born after Zwicker shot a video documenting Khan’s upbringing in the hope that it would help other conservationists release the cat back into the wild.
After receiving Keanu, directors Trevor Frost and Melissa Lesh boarded to document the lives of Turner, Twicker, and their animals.
“I never thought it would be so personal,” Zwicker said. “I thought it would be something that would focus more on cats and nature, and weave it into the larger issues of wildlife trafficking and illegal logging.”
Keanu took 18 months for Turner to raise alone before being released into the jungle, creating a unique situation for the filmmakers.
“Harry was the only one who saw Keanu. They wanted to make sure there were no other humans around him, so he was as afraid of humans as possible,” Frost said, adding, “It was It’s something we’ve really embraced, and I really think it’s been a stronger movie.”
With the $20 million in proceeds allegedly paid by Amazon Studios for the documentary, Zwicker launched a conservation program for Hoja Nueva and Turner launched his own charity, Emerald Arch.
He buys Amazon land in Ecuador, conducts scientific research, and helps animals in need. And he creates retreats for veterans with PTSD and depression.
“It took me only two weeks to realize that my life had a purpose,” Turner said.
“I know it can be a fresh start for others who are struggling. Ultimately, mental health and By combining nature conservation, we hope to do so.”
Written by Rollo Roth and Mary Milliken.Edited by Diane Kraft
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