Ghost Elephants

Few directors have a more instantly recognizable narration voice than Werner Herzog – apart from David Attenborough, perhaps. In his signature, unapologetically boomer fashion, Herzog follows yet another dreamer on a quest for greatness.

Ever since encountering the largest elephant on display at the Smithsonian Museum, zoologist Steve Boyes has made it his life’s mission to trace the heritage of this mythical animal back to Angola’s Central Highlands. Local stories speak of a mist-shrouded, pristine landscape known as “the source of life,” where unique giant elephants are said to still roam. Aided by San Bushmen from Namibia and Angolan rangers, Boyes embarks on a gruelling scientific expedition through remote terrain. Now in his eighties, Herzog remains eager to chase a boyish dream. Ghost Elephants is a mad, romanticised adventure – backed by National Geographic and told in a way only Herzog can.

– Thomas Streekstra

Can’t make it to this screening?

InScience 2026 continues from 11–15 March at Visum Mundi, Wageningen. Discover the full InScience Satellite programme here to find out when this film screens in Wageningen.