Discovery en Espanol Debuts Human Planet, an Epic Television Event Narrated by Actor / Filmmaker Gael Garcia Bernal

MIAMI, April 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- First came an unforgettable journey across the world's greatest habitats. Then viewers were brought nose-to-nose with Earth's wildest creatures. Now, the makers of PLANET EARTH and LIFE reverse the spotlight to focus on a species closer to home: humans. From oceans to jungles to deserts, Human Planet, narrated by celebrated actor and filmmaker Gael Garcia Bernal, is a majestic portrait of people's incredible ability to survive and thrive in our planet's most extreme environments.  This two week, eight-part natural history blockbuster premieres on Discovery en Espanol starting Monday, April 25 at 8pm ET/ 5pm PT. (Click here to access the promo  http://discoveryushprensa.com/planeta-humano/)

"Human Planet is an awe inspiring production that will transport viewers to some of the most stunning locations on Earth to share in the captivating images of human's perseverance and survival. It is the story of us, told via striking visuals and accompanied by the distinct voice of celebrated Mexican actor Gael Garcia Bernal, who will take Spanish speaking audiences on a remarkable odyssey," said Bilai Joa Silar, Vice President and Channel Director, Discovery U.S. Hispanic.

Four years in the making, Human Planet tells the story of the complex, profound and sometimes challenging relationship between humankind and nature. The series was filmed in high definition in more than 70 locations to capture the most diverse and in some cases, never-before-seen stories of human endeavor. From the frozen Arctic to steamy rainforests, and from tiny islands in vast oceans to parched deserts, people have found remarkable ways to adapt and survive in the harshest environments possible.  

"Human Planet is a stunning achievement. Above all, it is fascinating to see what human beings do to survive and how cultures work in a similar fashion to be able to adapt.  It is a matter of finding a balance with the ecosystem.  I was struck by how those filming had to adjust to challenging conditions within the different situations and cultures. This series is an absolute visual coup," said actor and filmmaker Gael Garcia Bernal.  

Each episode of Human Planet is tied to life in a particular habitat, including the Arctic, Rivers, Oceans, Mountains, Grasslands, Jungles, Deserts and Cities.  In each, we find individuals, communities and traditions of astonishing color and vitality, including:

• The people of the high puna in Peru who take part in the Chiaraje, a ritual battle with its roots in Inca tradition, deemed necessary for a good harvest.  
• The Matis of Brazil, whose hunting techniques utilize ornate blowpipes, some 3.5m long, decorated with turtle shells and capybara teeth.
• The Korowai people of West Papua, who live in wooden tree houses more than 10 stories above the forest floor -- the higher the house, the greater the prestige.
• Inuits of Northeast Canada who take advantage of extreme tides to harvest mussels; they can either drown or be crushed beneath the sea ice if they don't escape to the surface before the tides return.  
• Children in Kenya who hunt for honey with birds as their guides, braving trees buzzing with African killer bees

The series also airs on Discovery Channel in Latin America starting May 12 at 10pm (Bogota, Brasilia, Buenos Aires and Mexico City).

Human Planet is a co-production of BBC and Discovery Channel.  For BBC, Brian Leith is executive producer and Dale Templar is series producer. Alan Eyres is executive producer for Discovery Channel.

For more information on Discovery en Espanol programming viewers may log onto discoveryenespanol.com.    

About Discovery en Espanol

Discovery en Espanol is the Spanish-language voice of Discovery. It is the premier network dedicated to offering the finest in quality programming in the areas of science and technology, world culture and history, nature and wildlife as well as real-life drama. The network creates an indelibly enriching experience by collecting the best of what Discovery's networks have to offer in combination with its own original Spanish-language content. Created by the world's most trusted media brand, Discovery en Espanol translates not just the words, but the feeling of Discovery, educating and engaging audiences nationwide with fascinating glimpses into the incredible world they inhabit. For more information, visit discoveryenespanol.com.

SOURCE Discovery en Espanol