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Genres
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CastAvery PursellChaz BrownJenna Johansen
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Channel
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Premiere DateJune 17, 2012
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IMDB Rating6.6 (24)
Around the Next Bend is a documentary television series that explores the lesser-known regions of the world. The show takes viewers on an incredible journey to the corners of the globe to meet interesting people and experience their unique cultures, all while discovering the beauty of our planet.
Each episode takes the viewer on a vivid journey to parts of the world that are rarely seen by outsiders. From the tropical rain forests of South America to the snow-covered peaks of the Himalayas, the show brings the viewer to the heart of these mesmerizing and exotic locations. The series is hosted by Thomas O'Dowd, a talented adventurer and filmmaker, who takes viewers on a thrilling, educational ride that highlights fascinating facts about the people, history, and culture of the regions he visits.
The show delves into different aspects of life, depending on the location being presented. For instance, in one episode, Thomas interviews a group of fishermen who live in the heart of the Amazon. Through his conversations, viewers learn about the challenges these fishermen face, including the difficulty of catching enough food to survive. The episode also explores the unique and diverse wildlife that inhabits the river, such as the caiman and the giant river otter.
Another episode takes viewers to the stunning mountain ranges of the Himalayas. There, Thomas explores the life of the Sherpas, who provide invaluable assistance to mountain climbers attempting to summit Mount Everest. The episode highlights the Sherpas' way of life, their religious beliefs, and the difficulties they face living in such a high-altitude environment.
Throughout the series, Thomas provides an objective, candid look at the cultures and environments he encounters. Whether he is interviewing locals or exploring the natural landscapes, Thomas always maintains a respectful, open-minded perspective about the sites he visits. He also highlights the various challenges facing these remote regions, from climate change to over-fishing or over-hunting. By doing so, the inquisitive host encourages other travellers to be responsible, respectful visitors.
The production value of Around the Next Bend is high, with stunning cinematography that captures the beauty of each region. For instance, the camera follows fishermen as they navigate through the Amazon's twisting rivers or the majestic snow leopards as they stalk through the Himalayas. The result is a visual feast for viewers, as they can virtually immerse themselves in these colourful, awe-inspiring locations.
The show also includes informative graphics and powerful soundtracks, which add to the overall viewing experience. The graphics break down complex concepts such as the geography of the region, the local economy, and the impact of climate change. Meanwhile, the music varies depending on the region, with traditional songs from Bolivia's Andean highlands or Indian classical music from the Himalayas.
One noteworthy aspect of the show is how it portrays its subjects. It's clear that Thomas values the people he meets and the cultures they represent. He allows local people to speak for themselves, which adds to the authenticity of the show. In doing so, the documentary has the opportunity to dispel pre-existing stereotypes and offer a more heartfelt, nuanced view of these fascinating communities.
Overall, Around the Next Bend is an informative, visually stunning programme, which offers an opportunity to see some of the world's most fascinating places through a fresh set of eyes. Through his conversations with local residents and his observations of the environment, host Thomas O'Dowd brings viewers close to these remote places, and offers them a chance to see the rich diversity that exists outside their immediate communities. By highlighting these varied cultures, Around the Next Bend reminds us that despite our differences there is so much that we can learn from each other.
Around the Next Bend is a series that ran for 1 seasons (12 episodes) between June 17, 2012 and on Janson Media