In the shadowy depths of the
Everglades lurks a legend – "Croczilla,"
rumored to be the largest and oldest
American crocodile in Florida.
King of the Everglades follows two
filmmakers’ determined quest to
document this elusive apex predator
that has evaded scientists and
photographers for years.
“Croczilla” Official Campaign Launch Video
The official campaign announcement for our grassroots independent documentary to track down the largest and oldest American crocodile in our Florida Everglades - “Croczilla”.
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.
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.
Synopsis
"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 the team.
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.
The Mission
“King of the Everglades” is a science-driven, story-led documentary that follows the elusive American crocodile – most notably the legendary Croczilla – through the vanishing wilderness of the Florida Everglades.
Framed by an adventure-driven narrative, the film explores the remarkable recovery of a once-endangered species while revealing how water restoration, habitat protection, and ecological research have helped fuel this conservation success.
Combining cinematic storytelling with field-based science, the documentary deepens public understanding of crocodilian biology, the ecological role of apex predators, and the intricate relationship between human decisions and ecosystem health.
By tracing Croczilla’s journey through shrinking wetlands shaped by development and water mismanagement, the film puts a face to a fragile ecosystem, inspiring conservation action, advancing scientific dialogue, and educating audiences about the real-world impacts of environmental policy. “King of the Everglades” is both a celebration of resilience and a call to safeguard the future of one of America’s most vital and threatened natural treasures.
Project Stills
