Netflix Documentary Chronicles Children’s Survival After Plane Crash in Amazon

Netflix‘s latest documentary, «The Lost Children,» has captured the attention of audiences around the world by detailing the gripping survival story of four young siblings who endured a plane crash in the Amazon rainforest in Colombia. The film quickly climbed to the third most-watched movie on the platform following its release on November 14, 2024.

The documentary, directed by Oscar winner Orlando von Einsiedel, known for his work on «The White Helmets» and «Virunga,» along with codirectors Jorge Durán and Lali Houghton, explores the harrowing tale of survival and resilience showcased by children Lesly, Tien, Soleiny, and Cristin. These survivors endured 40 days in the wilderness without their mother, who perished in the crash.

Among the many celebrities praising the documentary are Phoebe Tonkin, Samara Weaving, and Ron Howard, who have voiced their support on social media platforms. Wesley, a supporter of the film, shared, «So proud of my friends @mark_bauch and @orlandovoneinsiedel. Everyone watch ‘The Lost Children’ on Netflix. Out now!»

The tragic event occurred on May 1, 2023, when the aircraft’s engine failed and it crash-landed in the dense jungle. The children’s mother, Magdalena Mucutuy Valencia, alongside the pilot Hernán Murcia and Indigenous leader Herman Mendoza Hernández, died in the calamity. The siblings, aged 13, 9, 4, and nearly one at the time, survived partly due to their seating location at the back of the plane, which suffered the least damage.

The documentary not only covers the immediate aftermath of the crash but also the incredible efforts made by the Colombian Army, Indigenous rescuers, and family members in the search and eventual rescue mission for the children. Through first-hand accounts and archival footage, the film highlights the determination and bravery of those involved.

Post-rescue, President Gustavo Petro commended the children’s survival as an indelible part of history. After being located 40 days post-crash, they were found in an emaciated state, surviving on seeds, roots, and a type of flour the plane carried.

The children were hospitalized for over a month in Bogotá before being transferred into the care of the Colombian Institute of Family Welfare. By the summer of 2024, they reportedly were under government custody, overcoming the physical adversities they faced in the jungle with ongoing psychological support.

However, the story doesn’t end with their rescue. Custodial battles ensue between surviving family members, including their paternal guardians and maternal grandparents, following allegations of past domestic abuse against their father, Manuel Ranoque. These claims have led to further legal complications, as Ranoque was charged with sexually assaulting a minor, a charge he denies.