DOCU/WORLD

When Lambs become Lions

Year
2018
Country
USA
Duration
76’
Director
Jon Kasbe

In a Kenyan town bordering a wildlife conservation area, two men try to hold onto their increasingly fragile status quo. A small-time ivory dealer fights to stay on top while forces mobilise to destroy his trade. When he turns to his younger cousin, a conflicted wildlife ranger who hasn’t been paid in months, they both see a possible lifeline. The plummeting elephant population in Africa has captured the attention of the world. And as the government cracks down, the poachers face their own existential crisis. For them, conservationists are not only winning their campaign to value the life of an elephant over its ivory, but over the life of humans as well. Who are these hunters who will risk death, arrest and the moral outrage of the world to provide for their families?

 

The film is nominated for 'Rights Now!' Award

CREW:
Director: Jon Kasbe
Producer: Innbo Shim, Jon Kasbe, Tom Yellin
Cinematographer: Jon Kasbe
Editor: Caitlyn Greene, Jon Kasbe, Frederick Shanahan
Sound: Paul Hsu
Production and Sales
The Documentary Group
Director
Jon Kasbe

Born to an Australian mother and an Indian father, Jon Kasbe spent most of his childhood traveling extensively. Growing up in this environment instilled in him a deep curiosity and desire to explore the world. He soon found documentary filmmaking to be a way to immerse himself in his travels and share discoveries with others. At age 10, he bought his first camera in order to interview children in war-torn Serbia, where his parents were volunteering. Now at 27, his short films have been screened around the world, garnering an Emmy award, two Emmy nominations, and recognition from the Webbys, SXSW, Hot Docs, Vimeo Staff Picks, and the White House News Photographers Association. When Lambs Become Lions, which he filmed, directed and produced, is his feature-length film debut.

Selected Filmography

When Lambs Become Lions (2018)

Hall «KINOMAN»
Zhovten cinema
Kostiantynivska St, 26
Q&A with director
Original language with English and Ukrainian subtitles
Hall «KINOMAN»
Zhovten cinema
Kostiantynivska St, 26
Q&A with director
Original language with English and Ukrainian subtitles
22 INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS DOCUMENTARY FILM FESTIVAL
 6 — 13 
June 2025
Before Father Gets Back / Sanam Mama Dabrundeba
DOCU/WORLD
Before Father Gets Back / Sanam Mama Dabrundeba
Year
2018
Country
Georgia, France, Germany
Director
Mari Gulbiani
Duration
75’
DOCU/WORLD
Caisă
DOCU/WORLD
Caisă
Year
2018
Country
Romania
Director
Alexandru Mavrodineanu
Duration
81’
DOCU/WORLD
Children of Congo, Listen!
DOCU/WORLD
Children of Congo, Listen!
Year
2018
Country
Congo
Directors
Natacha Ikoli, Patrick Flynn
Duration
89’
DOCU/WORLD
Game Girls
DOCU/WORLD
Game Girls
Year
2018
Country
France, Germany
Director
Alina Skrzeszewska
Duration
90’
DOCU/WORLD
I Grew Up As You Slept / Urosłam, Kiedy Spałaś
DOCU/WORLD
I Grew Up As You Slept / Urosłam, Kiedy Spałaś
Year
2018
Country
Poland
Director
Marcin Sauter
Duration
49’
DOCU/WORLD
The Magic Life of V
DOCU/WORLD
The Magic Life of V
Year
2019
Country
Finland, Denmark, Bulgaria
Director
Tonislav Hristov
Duration
87’
DOCU/WORLD
The Way to the Mountains / La strada per le montagne
DOCU/WORLD
The Way to the Mountains / La strada per le montagne
Year
2018
Country
France, Italy, Ukraine
Director
Micol Roubini
Duration
82’
DOCU/WORLD
Voices of the Sea
DOCU/WORLD
Voices of the Sea
Year
2018
Country
UK
Director
Kim Hopkins
Duration
98’
DOCU/WORLD
White Mama / Белая мама
DOCU/WORLD
White Mama / Белая мама
Year
2018
Country
Russia
Directors
Evgeniya Ostanina, Zosya Rodkevich
Duration
97’
DOCU/WORLD