EUROPE IMAGES INTERNATIONAL - M5

Synopsis

Gabon, on the African equator, harbours a strange planet: a world of creepers and giant trees, of tropical rains and animals in their thousands. It is a disturbing and fascinating place. But this African jungle masks another universe, richer and even more astounding, little known to us because of its microscopic size. The small creatures that inhabit it are authentic science-fiction heroes. Anything goes to ensure reproduction, and life is as much about eating as avoiding being eaten. Gigantic armies spread terror across their path. Earth or wooden castles are erected in defence, twig and silk armours are put together, even drugs may be used. Yet here and there, certain species become allies and give each other mutual aid.
It took more than a year and a half of filming to unveil before our eyes footage of these astonishing species and behaviours. The four episodes tackle different magical worlds, looking respectively at termites, ants, social spiders and fish and fresh-water batrachians