“SAMI AFRICA” is a dance tribute to SAMI, a leopard euthanized due to old age and illness at a South African game reserve. The dance is inspired by grief and the connection between humans and the natural world. SAMI’s spirit lives on among the majestic animals of the reserve and within the dancer’s heart.

THE FILMMAKER’S EXPERIENCE:

“I had a unique experience with SAMI. A group of us visited SAMI. As the other visitors left, I stayed behind; in that moment, SAMI stood up and walked towards me, then he looked at me as if to convey a message; he roared gently; I looked at him and said, "I'm sorry." In that quiet moment, we gazed at each other and shared a silent understanding, overwhelmed by emotion. He roared several times gently, looking at me, and then walked away. I was not aware that it would be SAMI’s final day. The following day, SAMI was euthanized. It was heartbreaking.”

RIP SAMI, October 19, 2023.

TITLE: SAMI AFRICA

ROLE: Creator

PLACE: Shamwari Game Reserve, South Africa

DATE: Filming-October 2023.

Project: June 23, 2025.

TIME: 6:35 Sec.

CLASSIFICATION: Dance / Experimental / Short