Netflix Documentary Chronicles Survival of Four Children in Colombian Rainforest

A newly released Netflix documentary titled The Lost Children documents the remarkable survival story of four siblings who lived through a harrowing plane crash and fifty days in the Colombian Amazon rainforest. The film explores the events surrounding the crash and the siblings’ struggle for survival, which captivated the world.

On May 1, 2023, a single-engine plane carrying the children, their mother, and two other adults crashed into the dense Amazon jungle. The tragic crash, caused by an engine failure just 35 minutes into the flight, resulted in the deaths of the adults onboard, including the pilot Hernán Murcia and Indigenous leader Herman Mendoza Hernández, as well as Magdalena Mucutuy Valencia, the mother of the children. Miraculously, the four siblings—Lesly, aged 13, Soleiny, aged 9, Tien, aged 4, and Cristin, under one year—survived as they were seated in the rear part of the aircraft, which sustained less damage.

The documentary, which premiered on November 14, has quickly become one of Netflix’s most-watched films. Directed by Orlando von Einsiedel, it delves into how the children managed to stay alive by eating seeds, roots, and any other edible plants they could find. Their survival skills, attributed in part to their cultural background, played a crucial role in enduring the treacherous conditions.

After their rescue on June 9, 2023, the children were found three miles from the crash site, showing signs of severe malnutrition and exhaustion. General Pedro Sánchez, who led the rescue operation, described their physical state as «very weak,» emphasizing the dire circumstances they faced.

Post-recovery, the children were placed under the care of the Colombian Institute of Family Welfare. As of mid-2024, the siblings continue to be under government protection, while authorities determine who will gain legal custody. Both maternal grandparents and the father of two of the children, Manuel Miller Ranoque, are contenders for custody.

The documentary also highlights the controversial background involving Ranoque, who is currently imprisoned due to allegations of past abuse. His charges have introduced additional complexity to the custody decisions, highlighting the underlying tensions within the family’s dynamic.

The Lost Children brings to light not only the siblings’ extraordinary endurance but also the intricate human stories intertwined with the event. It showcases testimonies from those involved in their rescue, including Indigenous volunteers and military personnel, offering a comprehensive narrative of resilience and the collaborative rescue efforts that overcame significant obstacles.