The Camels that Race (2011)

Producer: Magnus Dennison

Director: Katja Roberts

Narrator: David Mitchell

Feature Documentary / 60' Broadcast Special - National Geographic

The relationship between man and camel has existed for thousands of years in Oman. The camel provides milk, meat, transport and is a form of currency for trading. In recent years life in Oman has begun to change, the ancient way colliding with the 21st century. Modern camel racing is one of the most fascinating manifestations of this collision. 'The Camels that Race' is a one-off 52minute documentary about the world of camel racing in Oman. We will follow the people who own and race the camels, those who breed them, the Sheikhs who buy them and of course the camels themselves as they pursue their racing careers. Through the journey of the camel and the people dedicated to the sport, viewers will get an insight into the bizarre details of the camel racing culture. Since child jockey were banned in Oman the camels are ridden by robots, remotely controlled by the owners who drive alongside during the race. Half the fun of the race seems to be the car chase that goes on next to the track. On dusty tracks the visibility soon becomes almost zero and collisions between the cars is a regular occurrence. Throughout the film we will continue to follow the progress of our racing camels: Aryam, Saraba, and Norf. Do they have what it takes to win? or even get through the season alive!