A gripping tale of survival: ‘The Lost City: 101 Days in Captivity’
A new documentary series explores a harrowing true story
Yes Studios has joined forces with Paramount’s Ananey Studios to bring to life a compelling three-part documentary series titled “The Lost City: 101 Days in Captivity”. This series delves into the true story of four young Israelis who were kidnapped during a trip to South America in 2003. The series is set to premiere on Yes Docu on September 19.
The creators behind the story
The series is the brainchild of award-winning documentarian Ofir Trainin and Omri Kronland, Ananey Studios’ documentary and non-scripted content editor-manager. Kronland, who is also the author of the novel “The Place Where the Sun Begins”, brings a unique narrative depth to the project. Trainin, known for his works like “Wandering Eyes” and “Family in Trans”, directs this intense and emotional journey.
The journey to ‘The Lost City’
“The Lost City: 101 Days in Captivity” recounts the story of four young Israelis who embarked on an adventurous trek to “The Lost City” in Colombia. Along the way, they met four foreign travelers, and within 48 hours, their adventure turned into a nightmare. They were kidnapped by the ELN, a notorious guerrilla organization, and held captive for 101 days in the dense Colombian jungle.
Twenty years later, their trauma resurfaced when news broke of dozens of Israelis being kidnapped by Hamas on October 7 and taken to Gaza. This documentary provides a platform for those who were abducted in South America to confront their past and seek answers from the leader of the ELN, the organization that held them captive.
A multi-lingual narrative
The series is produced using real-time footage, personal diaries written during captivity, and conversations with the protagonists in English, Spanish, German, and Hebrew. This multi-lingual approach adds a layer of authenticity and depth to the narrative, making it a truly immersive experience.
Insights from the creators
Sharon Levi, managing director of Yes Studios, describes the series as a “compelling and chilling documentary” that offers a fascinating insight into the experience of being kidnapped and the long-term physical and psychological impacts on the survivors. Levi emphasizes the relevance of the series, noting that the plight of hostages remains a topical subject not just in Israel, but globally.
The production team
The premium docuseries is executive produced by Keren Gleicher, Guy Lavie, and Uzi Karin for Yes, and Orly Atlas-Katz and Osnat Saraga for Paramount’s Ananey Studios. This collaboration marks another successful partnership between Yes Studios and Ananey Studios, following their work on the scripted series “Wonder” earlier this year.
A personal reflection
As a cinema and TV series enthusiast, the narrative of “The Lost City: 101 Days in Captivity” resonates deeply. The series not only recounts a gripping tale of survival but also explores the profound psychological scars left by such traumatic experiences. The opportunity for the survivors to confront their captors adds a unique and powerful dimension to the story.
For those interested in exploring more about this series, you can watch the trailer and find additional information on the The Lost City: 101 Days in Captivity.
Broader context
The relevance of this documentary extends beyond the individual stories of the kidnapped Israelis. It sheds light on the broader issue of hostage situations worldwide, highlighting the universal themes of resilience, trauma, and the quest for closure. In a world where conflict and violence continue to disrupt lives, stories like these remind us of the human capacity for endurance and the importance of seeking justice and understanding.
Final thoughts
“The Lost City: 101 Days in Captivity” is more than just a documentary; it is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. It invites viewers to reflect on the impact of such harrowing experiences and the long road to healing. This series is a must-watch for anyone interested in true stories of survival, resilience, and the quest for answers.
For more information and to watch the trailer, visit The Lost City: 101 Days in Captivity.