Gorillas in the Mist

The story unfolds from the mid-1960s through the mid-1980s, tracking Fossey's fieldwork in Africa and the evolving political landscape of the region. It covers the Congo Crisis era, shifts in government attitudes, and the growing international attention to gorilla conservation. The period culminates with Fossey's murder on Boxing Day, 1985, leaving a lasting legacy in wildlife protection.

Fossey conducts fieldwork deep in the Congolese jungle and later at Karisoke in Rwanda. The narrative also includes a lecture in Louisville, Kentucky that helps propel her mission. These places mark the geographic arc of her pioneering primatology work in central Africa.

🌿 Conservation

The film centers on Fossey's relentless fight against poaching and her efforts to protect the mountain gorillas. She organizes anti-poaching patrols, challenges traders, and advocates for the protection of gorilla habitats. Her work, supported by National Geographic, brings international attention to gorilla conservation and the need for interventional policies.

🧭 Ethics & Sacrifice

Fossey's dedication often clashes with personal relationships and institutional constraints. Her insistence on staying with the gorillas strains loyalties and partnerships, including with photographer Bob Campbell. The film explores the costs of scientific passion when personal life and field duties demand impossible choices.

🔥 Danger & Violence

The jungle setting is filled with real threats—from poachers to volatile political tensions—culminating in Digit the gorilla being beheaded by poachers. Fossey responds with bold, sometimes controversial actions, illustrating how frontline fieldwork can hinge on life-and-death decisions for both humans and wildlife.

🧬 Fieldwork & Discovery

The story highlights how Fossey maps gorilla social structures, communication, and group dynamics, expanding scientific knowledge about primates. Her collaborations with local trackers and international researchers shape a new era of wildlife study. The work demonstrates the value and challenges of long-term ecological research in remote habitats.