Watch: Short Doc ‘Strange Beasts’ About an Infamous Lion Safari Park
by Alex Billington
September 13, 2024
Source: Vimeo
“Successful, original, and dangerous…” 🦁 These are the unsettling true stories of an infamous safari park located in Australia. Strange Beasts is a fascinating 10 minute mixed media short film made by filmmaker Darcy Prendergast. It premiered in 2023 and is now available online to watch via Vimeo. During its decade of operation, the Bacchus Marsh Lion Safari (which was open from 1970 until about 1985) was one of Victoria’s most popular tourist attractions – now one of its greatest mysteries. These are a few encounters as told by Ron ‘Prenda’ Prendergast – who was an 18 year old big cat keeper that worked there. 🐅 Shot on 16mm, the mixed format approach seamlessly sits archival footage beside era specific animation techniques, such as scratch on film, paint on glass, stop motion and 2D. This would play perfectly as a companion with Netflix’s “Tiger King” series, though they’re both depressing looks at poorly run big cat parks. Watch below.
Thanks to Vimeo Staff Picks for the tip on this short film out to watch online. Here’s the intro via Vimeo: “Strange Beasts is a look at the meteoric rise and fall of the Bacchus Marsh Lion Safari, as told through the eyes of Ron ‘Prenda’ Prendergast; a then 18 year old big cat keeper. From its initial boom, to its protracted closure, the park remains shrouded in mystery and folklore. Until now.” Strange Beasts is a short written & directed by Australian filmmaker Darcy Prendergast. Produced by Rachel Gilkison. Made by “Oh Yeah Wow” productions – view more of their work on their Vimeo page or visit the official website. In association with Screen Australia. Featuring cinematography by Liam Gilmour. The film initially premiered at the 2023 Clermont-Ferrand Short Film Festival last year. Winner of Best Screenwriter at CineOz, Best Short Film at DocEdge. For more info on the film, visit OYW’s site or Vimeo. To enjoy more shorts, click here. Thoughts?
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