Netflix Releases Documentary Spotlighting Rwanda’s Mountain Gorillas

Kigali April 17, 2026 - Streaming platform Netflix has released a new documentary focusing on the mountain gorillas of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, in a production that highlights both wildlife conservation and community-based environmental efforts. Titled “Rwanda’s Mountain Gorillas,” the film premiered on Netflix on Friday, April 17, 2026. It explores the behavior, social structure, and lineage of one of the world’s most endangered primate populations, with a particular focus on the Pablo gorilla family. The documentary was produced by Silverback Films in collaboration with Appian Way Productions, an environmental-focused studio founded by actor Leonardo DiCaprio. The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund also contributed to the project. The narration is provided by renowned British broadcaster David Attenborough, whose decades-long work on natural history includes early coverage of Rwanda’s gorillas in the 1979 BBC series Life on Earth. Filmed across different seasons in Volcanoes National Park, the production captures the daily lives and natural behavior of the gorillas in their habitat. According to the Rwanda Development Board, the release comes at a time when the country continues to record progress in gorilla conservation. Speaking on the film, RDB’s Director of Tourism, Irène Murerwa, said Rwanda’s conservation model has been built over more than two decades. “For over 20 years, Rwanda has demonstrated a commitment to protecting its remaining gorilla population through a community-based approach and sustainable investment. This film provides an opportunity to share this story with the world in a way that emphasizes the science and human contribution behind it,” she said. She also welcomed the collaboration with international production partners, noting its contribution to both conservation awareness and tourism promotion. Beyond its global streaming release, the documentary is scheduled for theatrical screening in London on April 21, 2026. Authorities say the project has also generated economic benefits for local communities involved in its production through employment and field support activities.