Monkey Island

Atlanta, Georgia | Film Short

Documentary, Nature

eva erhardt

1 Campaigns | Georgia, United States

11 days :21 hrs :35 mins

Until Deadline

19 supporters | followers

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$7,005

Goal: $9,500 for production

A larger-than-life documentary revealing the secrets of a chimpanzee research facility on a remote island off Georgia's coast. When a group of teenagers encounter the island's most hostile resident, chimpanzee Jiggs, tragedy strikes,leading to carnage. At least thats what some would have us believe.

About The Project

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Mission Statement

The mission of this documentary is to preserve this wild story before it's lost to time. By documenting this surreal and forgotten chapter of Georgia’s history, we aim to honor the locals and their storytelling, as well as the truth behind the scientific research done on the island.

The Story


In the mid-1970s, a group of teenagers—Craig Anderson, Allen Cox and Randy Lanier—made their regular trip to "Monkey Island," a small, remote island off the coast of Savannah. A familiar retreat, it was usually a place to unwind, have fun, and interact with the island's four chimpanzees, part of a research study with Emory University. The chimpanzees were typically docile, even sharing a beer with the boys on occasion. But on this day, something was different. Jiggs, the alpha chimp, was acting strange, clearly agitated. Without warning, he began chasing the teens through the woods, eventually targeting Allen, viciously ripping open his flesh with a brutal bite. After receiving medical attention, the boys thought the worst was over—until a week later, when Jiggs was found shot to death. This event led to the sudden closure of the island and the mysterious disappearance of the chimpanzees.


At least, that's the story... or is it?



This is how the locals tell the tale, passed down through generations as part of Savannah’s rich folklore. But the scientists who ran the research facility on the island have a very different version of the attack—one that raises questions about what really happened that day. According to the researchers, the incident may not have unfolded as the locals believe, and the death of Jiggs might not have been a tragic act of vengeance, but rather the result of a far more complex set of circumstances.


With “Monkey Island”, our mission is to uncover both sides of this compelling story. We’ll delve deep into the local legend, exploring the sensationalized accounts that have fueled the mystery for decades. At the same time, we’ll offer a scientific perspective, analyzing the psychology of the chimpanzees and the research behind their behavior. Interviews with surviving witnesses, experts in animal behavior, and researchers will help paint a fuller picture of the events that led to the island’s closure and the eventual disappearance of the chimpanzees.



This isn’t our first rodeo. The team behind Monkey Island is a close-knit group of filmmakers from all over the country, with a home base in the great Southern city of Atlanta. We've collaborated on a range of projects, from dramatic coming-of-age tales to quirky comedies. But this is our first dive into documentary filmmaking, and it’s a story that’s incredibly close to our hearts.


The journey began three years ago when our director, Theodore Green, stumbled upon the story of Monkey Island during a trip to Savannah. While chatting with locals, he learned of an island off the coast of Richmond Hill that was once home to chimpanzees. But as he dug deeper, he uncovered a darker chapter — the infamous 1973 attack and the victims who witnessed it.


Since then, our team has been on a mission to track down everyone connected to the so-called "Monkey Island," from the witnesses on that fateful day to the scientists who conducted research there and claim the attack never took place. To truly capture the full scope of this story, we’re committed to digging as deep as it takes to get the whole picture.



With your donation, you are helping us preserve the story of Monkey Island—the chimpanzees, the visitors, the researchers, and even the tragic attack that forever changed the Lowcountry. This is a story that needs to be told while its key players are still alive, before it fades into the shadows of history. Your support ensures that this remarkable and haunting chapter of Georgia’s past is remembered and shared with future generations. To follow this wild ride, please check us out on Instagram, @monkeyislandfilm. See you out there!


Wishlist

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Film Development

Costs $1,500

We’re shooting all our reenactments on Super 8, and need the funds to develop the film.

Travel and Accommodations

Costs $1,000

Our team is based out of Atlanta and will be traveling to Savannah for the shoot.

Crafty and Catering

Costs $1,500

Can’t shoot a film without feeding your crew! Help us feed this hungry crew.

Art Department

Costs $500

To keep our reenactments accurate, we will be paying close attention to our costuming and production design.

Paying Talent

Costs $500

Help us pay our talented reenactment actors with this donation.

Interview Costs

Costs $1,000

We'll be talking to experts from around the country to tell this story. Help us cover this cost!

Special Effects Makeup

Costs $2,000

To pull off a convincing chimpanzee, we’re going to need expert special effects makeup.

Equipment Rental

Costs $1,500

We’re dedicated to shoot a documentary straight out of the 1970s, and our rented gear will accommodate that.

Cash Pledge

Costs $0

About This Team

Theodore Green - Director

Theodore Green is a Filmmaker based in Atlanta, Georgia, who aims to tell strange southern stories that represent the place where he grew up. Through his background in documentary filmmaking, he strives to highlight the surreal beauty of the South and amplify the true stories of its people through his work.



Eva Erhardt - Producer

Eva Erhardt is a writer and filmmaker from Tampa, Florida, whose work has been featured in the Student Emmy Awards, Atlanta Film Festival, and Savannah Film Festival. Having worked in zoology and animal rights activism in the past, she brings a unique perspective to the animal side of this project, ensuring their stories are told with integrity.


Carson Lester - Producer

Carson Lester is a journalist and storyteller based in Atlanta, Georgia, with a dedication to finding compelling narratives that resonate deeply with others. With a degree in journalism from Georgia State University and a background in creative media, Carson specializes in combining facts with emotional depth to help facilitate impactful storytelling.



Daniel Connell - Editor

Daniel Connell serves as the editor and assistant director of Monkey Island. With experience spanning various roles across multiple productions, Daniel is thrilled to embark on his first documentary project. A lifelong monkey enthusiast, he was immediately drawn to the story and is excited to bring it to life with the team.



Riley Smith - Director of Photography

Riley Smith is a Chattanooga, Tennessee based cinematographer. He’s spent the last 6+ years behind the lens shooting short films, music videos, commercials, and much more. With a story-first mentality, and great love of apes and monkeys, he’s excited to help bring the story of Monkey Island to life.





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