The Last Male on Earth

In March 2018, the last remaining male white rhino on Earth died. His name was Sudan, and after 42 years on this planet, he had brought his life - and that of his species - to an end. "The Last Male on Earth" shows his last years, during which he was not alone. Since he was the last, armed bodyguards have protected him, tourists have queued to take a photo with him, journalists have rushed to Kenya to tell his story, and even now scientists are determined to find ways to preserve his species. What is so fascinating about the threat of extinction? What does this say about us? It's a difficult subject treated in a light and elegant yet serious way. For even though the irony of man's (self-)destructive dominance on earth has become clear to most people, Sudan stands heavy and majestic in the midst of it all, like a reflection of our own delusions of grandeur. Floor van der Meulen's debut film is a testament to an extraordinary talent for balancing the many parallel narratives of Sudan's last days and in the human tragicomedy that unfolds around him. Note: This audio documentary is a production of DOXS RUHR and Engagement Global within the framework of the programme 'Development Education in Germany' and is financed with funds from the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.