The Misfits: Undercats of the Chobe River

Format: 3 x 50’ 4K+ Documentary Series

Production Company: Moving Pictures Africa

Producer/Cinematographer: Robert Hofmeyr

The Misfits is an intimate documentary series that transports viewers into the lives of the lions living alongside the Chobe River in Northern Botswana. The story unfolds in a spectacular environment shaped by a remarkable river that flows in both directions, serving as a crucial water source for thousands of animals.

Unlike traditional lion documentaries that focus on dominant, ruling prides, this series shines a spotlight on the “undercats”. We follow the Misfits, a unique sisterhood of lionesses living in the perilous no-man’s-land between the formidable Riverfront and Ngoma prides. Lacking adult males of their own to protect them, this unique coalition must rely entirely on their intelligence, cunning, and teamwork to survive in this incredible environment.

Rather than utilizing a standard factual voiceover, the story of The Misfits will be narrated by a local woman storyteller. Adopting the style of a traditional fable or folk tale, the narration weaves together the lives of the lionesses, other animals, and the river itself into a single, immersive narrative. The Chobe River acts as the unifying thread, acting as a silent witness to every birth, hunt, and conflict.

The Characters

Broken Paw: The heart of our story and a symbol of pure resilience. Despite a severe injury sustained over four years ago that should have been a death sentence, this amazing lioness has survived through the fierce loyalty and cooperation of the sisterhood. Today, she is successfully raising a cub of her own - a living testament to the Misfits' strength.

Stumpy: The fearless leader, named for her missing tail tip. A master strategist who orchestrates the pride's movements and teaches the next generation the art of survival.

Blackmouth: Unlike most cats, Blackmouth submerges her entire face when she drinks, and as a result she usually has mud on her chin. She is a devoted mother raising a new litter against impossible odds in a territory patrolled by rivals.

Lucky: The youngest of the Misfits. So far, she has been lucky and has no obvious injuries or quirks.

Production Status

Over the past three years, our team has spent over 26 weeks in the field across nine shoots. We have already captured over 250 hours of 8K50p RAW footage, documenting hunting sequences, new cubs, and the complex dynamics between the lions, leopards, and elephant herds of the Chobe ecosystem. We have finished filming episode 1 and most of episodes 2 and 3 and we are currently raising funds for post-production and to complete the final 10 weeks of filming during the dry season of late 2026.