"Wildlife crime differs from other types of crime, people are less aware of its impact compared to other types of crime."

Joy, Investigator, The Wildlife Justice Commission

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Synopsis

'Seizure' is a short film that captures a unique team of wildlife investigators as they follow criminal networks across borders as the last line of defence to combat the trafficking of the world’s most endangered species.

Led by a seasoned police detective, Steve Carmody, a global team of investigators, analysts and undercover specialists from an NGO called the Wildlife Justice Commission, put their lives on the line to disrupt this insidious yet profitable trade.

From Australia to Asia or Africa, wherever the work takes them, at the heart of their work is teamwork, bonding and the coming together of many different backgrounds, cultures and experiences that are brought together by the passion of saving wildlife.

Using the same techniques that law enforcement apply to complex drug and gang crime, this cadre of men and women deploy to gather intelligence and real world analysis and use courageous undercover operatives who sit face to face with traffickers to uncover their tracks.

The film follows a real-time case involving one of the world’s most trafficked commodities, pangolin scales. 'Seizure' is a gripping tale of courage, sacrifice and the fierce determination to preserve life in all its forms.

WATCH THE TRAILER

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Director

Matt Durrant

Matt Durrant is a filmmaker and wildlife investigator who specialises in true crime stories.

With a background in law enforcement he combines his expertise in wildlife crime and passion for storytelling with 'Seizure', about a dream of wildlife investigators saving wildlife from the scourge of traffickers.

'Seizure' comes off the back of his most recent feature length documentary 'Gold Digger: the search for Australian rugby' which is a deep dive investigation into the rise and fall of rugby union in Australia.

Premiering in 2022, the film has been distributed globally via Apple and Fox.

His short film 'Pocket Money', about two teenagers who are faced with a dilemma after witnessing a shooting, showed his capacity as a writer and director of drama and debuted at the Sydney International Film Festival before travelling globally.

He is currently based in Los Angeles.

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Support

This film was made with the support of the Postcode LotterY

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Testimonials

John Jurko II

Director of 'Rhino Man'

'Seizure' dives into the intricate web of wildlife crimes. More powerfully, it highlights the network of incredible humans collaborating across continents to bring down these criminal enterprises. Beautifully composed with a stunning mix of cinematic shots, documentary-style interviews, and archival footage, 'Seizure' was educational and engaging.

Patrick Alley

Co-founder of Global Witness and the author of Very Bad People and Terrible Humans

’Seizure' gives a fascinating and compelling glimpse into the courageous, dynamic and absolutely critical work of the undercover sleuths of the Wildlife Justice Commission as they tackle the fourth biggest branch of organised crime; work I got to know a little when I was privileged to be able to document one of their investigations in my book Terrible Humans.

John E Scanlon

Chair, Global Initiative to End Wildlife Crime

'Seizure' is a gripping reminder that the crisis of wildlife trafficking is a human-made problem, and it is only through bold human action that we can hope to solve it. The Wildlife Justice Commission has been at the forefront of intelligence gathering and analysis to combat wildlife crime. The courage, and determination showcased by the Wildlife Justice Commission team in this film highlight the critical role we all play in preserving the world's most endangered species.

Julian Rademeyer

Author of Killing for Profit – Exposing the Illegal Rhino Horn Trade

This film is a powerful call to action and a rare behind-the-scenes look at a small, determined team of investigators who have dedicated their lives to tracking, disrupting and demolishing global criminal networks trafficking in wildlife.