The Lost City of the Monkey God (2020)
In the almost impenetrable Mosquitia Jungle of eastern Honduras lies a mystery waiting to be unraveled. The documentary follows explorer Steve Elkins and his team as they embark on a daring quest to uncover a forgotten civilization hidden beneath the dense rainforest canopy.
The project, led by documentary filmmakers Steve Elkins and Bill Benenson, utilizes advanced LiDAR technology to scan the Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve in the Gracias a Dios Department. Their mission is to locate ancient archaeological sites that have remained concealed for centuries.
The inspiration for this expedition stems from rumors of La Ciudad Blanca, also known as the White City. Spanish conquistadors and other historical accounts mention a lost city with a pyramid crowned by a giant stone statue of a monkey god. Elkins is determined to validate these legends and uncover the truth.
As the team battles torrential rains, venomous reptiles, and disease-carrying flies, they discover evidence of large abandoned prehispanic settlements. Plazas, terracing, canals, roads, and even a pyramid emerge from the jungle’s depths. Decorated cylindrical stone vessels and metates confirm the existence of an ancient city.
The official name of the principal archaeological site mapped during the expedition has been changed to the City of the Jaguar. But the journey is not without its perils. Several team members contract severe cases of leishmaniasis, a parasitic disease transmitted by sandflies.
Decades of exploration and archaeological surveys in the region, dating back to the 1920s, come to life in this gripping true-life adventure. Prior to the documentary, the findings were reported in the New Yorker and National Geographic magazines.
The Lost City of the Monkey God delves into the intersection of history, myth, and modern technology. It captures the spirit of exploration, the thrill of discovery, and the sacrifices made in pursuit of knowledge. A tale of ancient mysteries, resilience, and the enduring allure of the unknown.
