• Director(s):

    CORNUEL (JEAN-MARIE), GUIDOIN (JEAN-LUC)

  • Producer(s):

    ARTE FRANCE, LES FILMS EN VRAC, SCREENSHOT PRODUCTION, POLE PRODUCTION ET COMMUNICATION

  • Territories:

    Worldwide.

  • Production year:

    2015

  • Language(s):

    German, French

  • Rights:

    TV, DVD, NON-THEATRICAL, INTERNET, VOD

We arrive in French Guiana. In this part of South America, equatorial rainforest covers over 95% of the territory. It is one of the richest biotopes in the world. This verdant paradise is also home to the widest range of amphibian species on the continent. Most of them are arboreal, hence the name "tree frogs". 

Some species only come down from the trees once a year, to mate during a single night in December. They take their cue from the first heavy rains, which create temporary pools in the heart of the forest. In just a few hours, thousands of frogs gather at each pool. Scientists call this phenomenon "explosive breeding". This is what we are hoping to photograph. After a frustrating wait, at last the rains come. And there in front of us, in our chosen pool, is an incredible sight. Thousands of yellow tree frogs are leaping in all directions, partying the night away and resorting to all kinds of skulduggery to win their mate. They are making such a racket that we have to use ear-plugs. This is where being a husband and wife team comes in handy: luckily, we understand each other without words. We spend the whole night splashing about in the water, juggling with our cameras and flashbulbs and surrounded by thousands of frogs…