National Geographic Reveal Details On A New “Thai Cave Rescue” Documentary Film
National Geographic has announced details on a new feature documentary from the “Free Solo” team of E. Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin, which is currently going under the working title of “Thai Cave Rescue”.
The documentary will tell the story of how on a cool June afternoon in the hilly region of northern Thailand, the Wild Boars youth soccer team were finishing practice early so that they could attend a teammate’s birthday party. Before heading to the party, the 12 boys and their assistant coach decided to explore a nearby system of caves—an outing that transformed into a two-week saga of survival and a story that would capture the attention of the world.
THAI CAVE RESCUE will chronicle the dramatic 2018 rescue of the team trapped deep inside a flooding cave, the perilous world of cave diving, the bravery of the rescuers and the dedication of an entire community that made great sacrifices to save these young boys. A full 360° view of the crisis, told through unexpected angles and with untold stories, the film will bring to light the imagination and determination displayed during the heroic endeavor. Unlike most diving experiences in which one relies on a team, these rescue divers were in the water on their own, completely dependent on their gear and knowing that if it failed, that would be the end. There would be no turning back; life or death was literally a breath of air away.
This film will be produced by John Battsek for Passion Pictures and Ventureland and Storyteller Productions’ P.J. van Sandwijk has directed the film. Carolyn Bernstein and Ryan Harrington from National Geographic are also executive producers on this documentary.
No release date has yet been announced for this documentary.