Unveiling the Power of Authentic African Wildlife Narratives
In the realm of wildlife documentaries, a revolutionary movement is unfolding, led by South African visionaries Pragna Parsotam-Kok and Noel Kok. Their journey began with a simple yet profound realization: the scarcity of African voices in wildlife storytelling.
A Call to Action
The couple's response was bold and impactful. They established the Nature Environment and Wildlife Conservation Trust (NEWF), a non-profit organization, and hosted a groundbreaking conference for African wildlife filmmakers. This initiative aimed to address the lack of diversity in the industry and empower African storytellers.
Unveiling the Underwater World
One of the most intriguing aspects of their work is the focus on underwater filmmaking. In 2019, NEWF organized its first dive "lab," bringing together filmmakers and scientists. This initiative not only trained divers but also highlighted an intriguing paradox: many marine biologists on the continent couldn't swim or scuba dive.
Empowering a New Generation
Through their efforts, NEWF has trained over 200 divers in Sodwana Bay and hundreds more in wildlife filmmaking at Bayala. The impact is profound, as evidenced by the success of their fellows. In 2021, the music composed by NEWF fellows for a National Geographic film about Botswana's Okavango Delta won the best original score at the Jackson Wild film festival, beating Hans Zimmer's score for David Attenborough's Frozen Planet II.
A Personal Journey
The story of Silindile Mbuyazi, known as Mama Sli, is a testament to the transformative power of NEWF. Mbuyazi, who learned to dive with NEWF, discovered more than just her brother's body; she found herself and a new passion. Her journey inspired the creation of eKhaya, a dive and filmmaking center built on her grandmother's land.
Impact and Growth
NEWF's impact extends beyond training. With annual funding from National Geographic, they are building a sustainable ecosystem for African wildlife storytelling. The center, eKhaya, is a hub of activity, hosting workshops, residencies, and providing a home for fellows. Local interns are learning to swim and dive, and the organization is negotiating new funding opportunities to expand its reach.
A New Perspective
Ethiopian filmmaker Elshadye Berhanu's experience with NEWF is a testament to its success. She gained invaluable skills and a deeper understanding of her subjects. Her words capture the essence of NEWF's mission: "Being able to film that, from your eyes, it just makes me happy."
Conclusion
NEWF's work is not just about training filmmakers; it's about empowering a new generation of African storytellers to share their unique perspectives. As Noel Kok puts it, "The stories were not complete" without African voices. Their initiative is a powerful step towards authentic and inclusive wildlife storytelling, and the impact is being felt across the continent and beyond.
