At a South African sanctuary, Luke Cornell provides a second chance for wildlife, confronting the harsh realities of poaching while revealing the deep emotional bond between the animals and those dedicated to their care.
Luke Cornell, founder of Cornellskop Animal Encounters, has spent over 35 years building trusted relationships with wildlife, creating a sanctuary rooted in conservation, animal welfare, and second chances.
Luca Cornell, Luke’s son, grew up on the farm and now helps with daily animal care and operations at Cornellskop Animal Encounters, carrying forward the family’s passion for wildlife.
Founded in 2005 by Luke Cornell, Cornellskop Animal Sanctuary is a nearly 300-acre refuge in the Van der Stel Pass Valley dedicated to ethical wildlife care, rescue, and giving animals a true second chance.
MISSION
Inspired during a 2024 internship in South Africa, the film was created to expose the realities of wildlife exploitation and to advocate for ethical conservation, using Cornellskop Animal Encounters as a powerful case study rooted in truth, urgency, and respect.
Gabriel Katsande is a key member of the Cornellskop Animal Encounters team, playing a vital role in daily operations and hands-on animal care to ensure the sanctuary runs smoothly.
Filmed over six days in November 2024 in Botrivier, South Africa, Freedom From Fear captured the sanctuary’s daily life and wildlife, with the crew completing production on November 24 before returning to Savannah, Georgia, for post-production.
PRODUCTION
Directed by Nathan Oliva, Cinematography by Mike Faraday & Matt Alexander, Produced by Jack Bart & Dixie Cornell, Edited by Grace Lavery, Assistant Director Jeremy Ryall, Colored by James Ross Fraser, Sound Design by Jared Patriarca & Teneal Boone
