ZDF Studios acquires worldwide distribution rights for “Cheetah Fast & Wild”
A powerful wildlife story of hope and conservation
Mainz, 30 March 2026
ZDF Studios has secured the worldwide distribution rights (excluding Canada) for the compelling wildlife documentary “Cheetah Fast & Wild”. The one-hour film, produced by Fast Cat Films for CBC with the support of Canada Media Fund, tells a remarkable conservation success story: for the first time, captive-reared cheetahs are being successfully trained to become wild hunters and reintroduced into natural ecosystems.
The documentary follows the story of two cheetah sisters named Lilly and Iris, both hopelessly naïve and inexperienced, as they struggle to become successful, wild-living hunters in a stunning South African wildlife reserve. The sisters were orphaned as cubs, only three months old, when their mother was killed by lions. Now, after 19 months in captivity, they are young adults and have a shot at living wild, thanks to a pioneering “wilding” programme devised by Ashia Cheetah Conservation. Established only a few years ago, Ashia is already turning accepted wisdom on its head with its highly innovative approach to wilding captive-raised cheetahs.
This film challenges a long-standing scientific consensus that captive-raised cheetahs can never learn to hunt because they’ve never lived in the wild or had the daily experience of watching and learning at their mother’s side. They don’t know how to stalk prey or chase down a fast-running antelope, experts say. Put them in the wild and they will certainly perish.
Fast Cat Films has been given special access to follow Lilly and Iris as they take their shot at freedom and undergo the trials and tribulations of becoming wild cheetahs. “Cheetah Fast & Wild“ also compares their story to that of three wild cubs learning to hunt by following a formidable teacher, their mother, through the harsh, mountainous desert of Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, in South Africa’s Little Karoo desert. This wild family shows what Lilly and Iris have missed out on – and what they still have to learn.
If successful, Lilly and Iris will be able to spend the rest of their lives in a wild nature reserve, where they will become part of a carefully managed cheetah metapopulation of over 500 cats in 75 reserves. Together these cheetahs are a vital source of genetic diversity. Their offspring are even being translocated across Southern Africa to found new cheetah populations.
With the global cheetah population having declined dramatically—from approximately 100,000 a century ago to only 6,700 today—the film delivers a message of genuine hope: South Africa is currently the only country where cheetah numbers are increasing.
This film also reveals a surprising side of cheetahs by filming them hunting in forests and on steep mountainsides. It shows that there is much more to these cats than we realise.
Nikolas Hülbusch, Director Unscripted, ZDF Studios: “Cheetah Fast & Wild“ is a powerful example of how innovative conservation can drive real change. We are delighted to bring this inspiring and visually stunning documentary to international audiences.”
Joe Kennedy, director and cinematographer, Fast Cat Films: “This film tells a story many believed was impossible. Watching these cheetahs learn to survive in the wild is deeply moving and offers real hope for the future of the species.”
“Cheetah Fast & Wild“ also documents the reintroduction of cheetahs into restored and emerging conservation areas across South Africa in a wide range of differing habitats. Combining emotional storytelling with scientific insight and breathtaking cinematography, the film highlights both the challenges and the possibilities of modern wildlife conservation.
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About ZDF Studios
ZDF Studios is a commercial subsidiary of ZDF, one of the largest TV broadcasters in Europe. Founded in 1993 and headquartered in Mainz, Germany, the ZDF Studios Group operates more than 30 direct and indirect subsidiaries and affiliates spanning TV production, distribution and services. The parent company, ZDF Studios, is responsible for global programme distribution, realisation of international co-productions, acquisition of licences and merchandising of successful programme brands under its own name, for ZDF and third parties. ZDF Studios has the largest German-language programme inventory in the world and a constantly growing range of international productions, consisting of series and mini-series, television films, documentaries and children's programmes.
The companies of the ZDF Studios Group cover the entire value chain from the development of scripted and unscripted TV content to production, marketing and monetizing, including TV and streaming licences as well as merchandising and online rights. The positioning of ZDF Studios as an integrated media company enables the development of innovative, outstanding and high-quality programmes and makes the Group an attractive workplace for German and international talent to flourish in a very inspiring and creative environment.
Contact ZDF Studios
Christine Denilauler (VP Marketing and Corporate Communications), ZDF Studios GmbH, Erich-Dombrowski-Str. 1, 55127 Mainz/Germany, tel.: +49 6131-9911130, email: christine.denilauler@zdf-studios.com, www.zdf-studios.com
About Fast Cat Films
Fast Cat Films is a Canada-based production company specialising in high-quality factual and documentary programming. The company develops and produces internationally focused content across natural history, science and human-interest storytelling, working with leading broadcasters and platforms worldwide. It is owned and managed by filmmaker Joe Kennedy.
Contact Fast Cat Films:
T: +1 778 980 841 Email: joe@tmfmedia.ca