Award‑winning documentary on big cat exploitation now streaming on Curiosity Stream
Cape Town, 13 March 2026 – FOUR PAWS is proud to announce that DETHRONED, the internationally acclaimed documentary exposing the urgent realities facing big cats today, is now available to stream on Curiosity Stream.
Created by TERRA MATER STUDIOS and FOUR CORNERS FILM & PHOTOGRAPHY, in association with FOUR PAWS International, DETHRONED investigates humanity’s shifting relationship with big cats and the consequences of exploitation across continents. The film was recently honoured with a Gold Award at the 2025 International Tourism Film Festival Africa (ITFFA) in the Wildlife & Conservation category, recognising its depth, impact and contribution to global conversations on animal welfare.
A global journey into the world of big cat exploitation
DETHRONED follows award‑winning environmental photojournalist Aaron Gekoski as he uncovers some of the most pressing threats facing big cats today. Once revered as symbols of power, wonder, and fear, these animals now face widespread exploitation driven by commercial demand, wildlife trafficking and inadequate legislation.
Aaron’s investigation spans several regions, each revealing a different facet of the industry:
- Peru: jaguar poaching and the illegal wildlife trade
- South Africa: commercial breeding of lions and tigers, cub‑petting, “walk‑with” experiences and live trade
- Pakistan: the growing trend of big cats kept as exotic pets
- Southeast Asia: wildlife markets, entertainment attractions, and trade linked to illegal networks
Across these powerful moments, the film asks: “What becomes of us when we destroy what is sacred?”
Behind the scenes: telling a story that is often hidden
Producing DETHRONED required extraordinary access, persistence and collaboration. The filmmakers spent extensive time in challenging environments, documenting practices rarely seen by the public yet representing the daily reality for many big cats across the globe.
“Dethroned” is a film that I actually wish I had never had to make. But given the threat that big cats are now facing, it is perhaps the most important film I have ever worked on. We spent three years filming in six countries; the result is a journey into the depths of the inhumane treatment of these animals and what becomes of us when we destroy all that is sacred,” says Aaron Gekoski.
A milestone for FOUR PAWS’ mission
As a global animal welfare organisation, FOUR PAWS continues to advocate for:
- Ending captive breeding of ALL big cats for commercial purposes
- Stronger legal protections across regions
- Ending public handling, cub‑petting and other exploitative tourism activities
“With this documentary, we want to show that our relationship with big cats is at a very critical point. Little remains of the former reverence. On the contrary: we lock the animals up, we trade in them and their body parts, we keep them as pets – in short, we systematically exploit them and take away their dignity. Our aim was to show how things got to this point and what consequences this has for animals, people and the environment,” explains Fiona Miles, Director at FOUR PAWS.
DETHRONED strengthens this mission by offering a compelling and accessible educational tool that helps audiences understand the urgency of big cat protection, both in South Africa and around the world. The momentum behind the film reflects a shared truth: ending big cat exploitation requires global collaboration, informed audiences, and sustained advocacy.
Watch and share
With its streaming release on Curiosity Stream and more viewing options to follow, DETHRONED is positioned to reach new audiences, spark essential conversations, and inspire meaningful action.
FOUR PAWS encourages all to:
- Watch the film
- Share it widely with friends, family and community
- Use it to raise awareness about the exploitation of big cats and the urgent need for change
Where to watch
- Curiosity Stream: https://curiositystream.com/video/12661
- Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKQSZh8wYm4
- More platforms will be made available soon.
Film Awards & Recognitions
- WCSFP – World Congress of Science & Factual Producers Buzzies Awards Nomination (Category: Best Host/Presenter in a Science/History or Wildlife Program/Content) 2024
- Cannes, France Cannes Corporate Media & TV Awards Silver Dolphin (Nature & Wildlife) 2024
- La Jolla, USA Impact DOCS Awards Best of Show 2024
- New York, USA New York Festivals TV & Film Awards Finalist (Category: Investigative Journalism) 2025
- Johannesburg, South Africa International Tourism Film Festival Africa Gold Award (Category: Wildlife & Conservation) 2025
- Paris, France Deauville Green Awards Silver Trophy (Category: Preserving biodiversity) 2025
- Los Angeles, USAUS International Awards GRAND AWARD (Category: Documentaries & Reports) 2025
- Los Angeles, USA US International Awards Gold Award (Category: Documentaries & Reports – Investigative Report & Special Report 2025
- Bratislava, Slovac Republic IFF Ekotopfilm Envirofilm Festival Official Selection2025
- Eckernförde, Germany Green Screen – Internationales Naturfilmfestival Eckernförde Nomination (Category: Green Report) 2025
DETHRONED stands as a powerful testament to what can be achieved when filmmakers, conservationists and animal‑welfare advocates unite to shine a light on issues too often hidden. Its streaming release marks a significant milestone for FOUR PAWS, reflecting the progress made and the critical work still needed to protect the world’s most iconic big cats.
For more information, please visit our website at www.four-paws.org
