An enthusiastic crowd gathered at Quad Cinemas in New York City for a special night of films, culminating with the U.S. premiere of our investigative documentary, DETHRONED.

FOUR PAWS partnered with the Climate Film Festival for an impactful night of cinema and conversation, all centered around protecting endangered species and the natural world in the face of climate change, habitat loss, and wildlife trafficking. The evening opened with a statement from FOUR PAWS’ U.S. Country Director, Katie Miller, “We are thrilled to bring you DETHRONED, a compelling exploration of humanity’s complicated relationship with big cats and with the natural world. FOUR PAWS is honored to work with Aaron Gekoski, and we thank him for his dedication to pursuing these issues wherever they led.” Katie also illuminated the connection between animal welfare and climate. “To protect our planet for all beings, human and animal, and especially those most at risk, tackling the climate crisis is one of the most pressing issues we face.”

Alec Turnbull, the Executive Director of the Climate Film Festival, shared his insights about the impact of film and gathering together for a cause, “We take a wide-angle lens to climate cinema… We bring people together in events like these and work with amazing organizations like FOUR PAWS to bring film and catalyze conversation through culture, entertainment, and media.”

DETHRONED is headlined by National Geographic photojournalist, Aaron Gekoski, following his quest to uncover humanity’s destructive relationship with big cats, from poaching to commodification, in a world on the brink of losing them. Traveling all over the globe, the film features FOUR PAWS’ Head of Wild Animals in Trade, Vanessa Amoroso and culminates with a trip to LIOSNROCK Big Cat Sanctuary in South Africa.

DETHRONED screened alongside two other climate centered short films: Batsies and WILD HOPE: Coral Comeback, and after the screening, the audience was treated to an expert panel, which included DETHRONED filmmaker, Aaron Gekoski as well as FOUR PAWS’ Vanessa Amoroso, alongside Assistant Curator of Mammalogy at the American Museum of Natural History, Angelo Soto-Centeno, and producer of the television show "WILD HOPE," Anisa Peters.

The panel was moderated by Jesse Tendler of The Climate Film Festival, who asked, “Looking ahead, what gives you the most optimism about the future of endangered species?”

Vanessa Amoroso responded, “I have seen a shift from talking about climate change to a climate crisis and now a biodiversity crisis. What I like more than words, is action, and there is something we all can do. I’m sure that we’ve all learned something new tonight, and I think we can all find a way forward. Something that we know how to do different now and can inspire others to make different choices as well. So, yes, I’m absolutely optimistic.”

Aaron Gekoski added, “It’s easy to lose hope, and I’ve seen so many terrible things in the twenty years of doing this, but then I realize that we actually are making progress, and a lot of these trades are being shut down.”

When asked specifically what people in the U.S. can do to protect big cats, Vanessa said, “In the U.S., it’s imperative that we protect the Endangered Species Act, so you can write to your congress person and be sure it's protected.”

After the screening, the theater lobby was abuzz. Guests were able to mingle and talk with the filmmakers and panelists while enjoying some vegan bites. FOUR PAWS also provided a QR code, which led guests to more information about protecting big cats, FOUR PAWS’ work to #BreakTheViciousCycle, and the opportunity to donate to our mission. The inspired crowd left motivated to advocate big cat protection and protecting endangered species and habitat all over the world.