King of the Everglades: The Croczilla Dynasty

Everglades City, Florida | Film Feature

Nature, Documentary

Alexander Joseph

1 Campaigns | Florida, United States

02 days :10 hrs :43 mins

Until Deadline

133 supporters | followers

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$8,805

Goal: $8,499 for development

In the depths of the Everglades lurks "Croczilla," rumored to be the largest American crocodile in Florida. "King of the Everglades" follows one filmmaker's kayak expedition to document this elusive apex predator while revealing the surprising truth about these misunderstood creatures.

About The Project

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Mission Statement

Our mission is to transform fear into appreciation for American crocodiles through intimate Everglades exploration, revealing the truth about these misunderstood creatures while inspiring action to protect both the legendary "Croczilla" and the fragile wilderness these ancient reptiles call home.

The Story


In the shadowy depths of the Everglades lurks a legend – "Croczilla," rumored to be the largest and oldest American crocodile in Florida at a massive 15 feet. "King of the Everglades" follows one filmmaker's determined quest to document this elusive apex predator that has evaded scientists and photographers for years.


We are proudly backed by the non-profit organization "The Alliance for Florida's National Parks," which is the only non-profit to be officially partnered with our Florida National Parks such as Everglades and Biscayne. This special partnership provides us with valuable support and access as we work to bring the natural wonders of these protected ecosystems to audiences everywhere.



"King of the Everglades" follows a quest narrative structure, using the search for Croczilla as the central thread that connects broader ecological and conservation themes. The documentary unfolds across seasonal chapters, reflecting the rhythm of the Everglades ecosystem and the changing behavior patterns of its inhabitants.


The narrative alternates between three complementary storytelling approaches:


Immersive Expedition Footage: First-person kayak-based exploration captures the immediacy and challenges of tracking Croczilla through remote waterways. This vérité-style footage places viewers directly in the environment, experiencing the search alongside me.


Expert Conversations: Informal, on-location interviews with biologists, park rangers, and local experts provide scientific context and indigenous knowledge, often conducted at sunrise or sunset to capture the atmospheric quality of the Everglades.


Contemplative Observation: Patient, fixed-position sequences document crocodile behavior and Everglades ecosystems, allowing natural drama to unfold without narration, emphasizing the patience required to truly understand wildlife.



As coastal development, water mismanagement, and invasive species threaten the Everglades ecosystem, Croczilla becomes a powerful symbol of resilience and conservation. Whether we ultimately find this legendary king becomes less important than the journey itself, as our expedition evolves from hunting a monster to championing a misunderstood marvel – one whose survival represents hope for America's most threatened natural treasure.


All proceeds from this crowdfunding campaign not only help fund our documentary project but also directly support educational outreach programs and conservation efforts for Everglades National Park and Big Cypress National Preserve. By contributing, you're becoming part of a larger mission to protect and preserve these irreplaceable ecosystems for generations to come.



Wishlist

Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.

Cash Pledge

Costs $0

Camera & Production Gear

Costs $6,199

An additional full frame camera, action camera, prime & telephoto lenses, along with an assortment of audio equipment is needed.

Field Equipment

Costs $1,800

Modular fishing kayak, maritime lighting, GPS, and more to utilize my time in the field.

Permits & Guides

Costs $500

Administrative cost for filmmaking, backcountry, and field permits we will need for access to sensitive areas of the National Park.

About This Team

I am an amateur nature filmmaker and photographer who was born and raised in South Florida. My associates, Garett and Alfred, will be assisting this endeavor and help produce my first nature documentary.


We are proudly backed by the non-profit organization "The Alliance for Florida's National Parks," which is the only non-profit to be officially partnered with our Florida National Parks such as Everglades and Biscayne. This special partnership provides us with valuable support and access as we work to bring the natural wonders of these protected ecosystems to audiences everywhere.

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