Disneynature Monkey Kingdom – a touching family tale

This past Monday our family attended a sneak preview of the new Disneynature Monkey Kingdom movie, and we loved this touching family tale! First off, you might be wondering what IS Disneynature? It’s a film studio with a unique documentary style of storytelling that has a strong focus on the environment and animals. While the movie is comprised of filming wild animals and nature, they overlay a story of the animals, creating unique characters and situations that will draw you into the lives of the animals you’re watching. It’s not your typical documentary, so kids will love these films along with adults! Disneynature also partners with worldwide charities to help contribute to a project that will serve to positively impact the animals they’re documenting. Previous films have included Earth, Oceans, African Cats, Chimpanzee, and Bears. And now, Monkey Kingdom is their newest film that opens today, April 17th!

As a mother, I can say that this film will touch any parent’s heart. It’s a snapshot of a mother looking to make her child’s life better than the one she has. Narrated by Tina Fey, many of us will resonate with that deep-seeded need to see our children reach farther and suffer less than us. Using amazing cinematography and unbelievable natural shots of these macaque monkeys, you’ll be transported to Asia as you watch the story of Maya and Kip play out before your eyes.

Life is an adventure for Maya, the clever and resourceful blonde-bobbed monkey in “Monkey Kingdom,” Disneynature’s new feature film set among ancient ruins in the storied jungles of South Asia. Maya’s world is forever changed when she welcomes her son, Kip, into her complicated extended family. Like all families, Maya’s has more than its share of colorful personalities—and she’s determined to give her son a leg up in the world. When their longtime home at Castle Rock is taken over by powerful neighboring monkeys, Maya’s whole family retreats, and she uses her street smarts and ingenuity to uncover untapped resources amidst strange new creatures and unsettling surroundings. Ultimately, they will all have to work together to reclaim Castle Rock, where Maya can hopefully realize her dreams for her son’s future.

Featuring a rich variety of characters, including a mischievous mongoose, simple-minded langur monkeys, predatory leopards and monitor lizards, “Monkey Kingdom” is narrated by Tina Fey (“30 Rock”), directed by Mark Linfield (“Chimpanzee,” “Earth”) and co-directed by Alastair Fothergill (“Chimpanzee,” “Bears”). With music from award-winning composer Harry Gregson-Williams (“The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” “Shrek” movies), Disneynature’s eighth True Life Adventure—the follow-up to 2014’s “Bears”—swings into theaters April 17, 2015.

Plus, now is your chance to watch this touching tale, and give back! For every ticket sold opening week (April 17-23, 2015), Disneynature will make a donation to Conservation International to help protect monkeys and other endangered species in their natural habitats.

For families, Disneynature has put together a great family activity pack to help you discuss the film, and learn more about the amazing animals that live near Castle Rock.

Monkey Kingdom Family Activity Pack

I hope you’ll go see Monkey Kingdom during opening week! I’d love to know, have you seen a Disneynature film before? Which one?

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