The South African trailblazers seeking to change how wildlife documentaries are made
In the realm of wildlife documentaries, a groundbreaking initiative is reshaping the narrative. The Nature Environment and Wildlife Conservation Trust (NEWF), founded by Pragna Parsotam-Kok and Noel Kok, is on a mission to empower African filmmakers and marine biologists. Their journey began in 2015 when they noticed the stark absence of African wildlife documentary makers and the challenges in accessing animals for filming.
The Koks' response was twofold: establishing NEWF and organizing a conference for African wildlife filmmakers in 2017. However, a pivotal moment arrived in 2019 when they encountered a unique challenge. While searching for African underwater filmmakers for a panel discussion, they discovered a startling fact: many marine biologists on the continent couldn't swim, let alone scuba dive. This realization sparked the creation of NEWF's first dive 'lab' for filmmakers and scientists, marking the beginning of a transformative journey.
The impact of this initiative is profound. Over 200 divers have been trained in Sodwana Bay, South Africa, home to Africa's southernmost tropical coral reefs. Simultaneously, hundreds of fellows have honed their wildlife filmmaking skills at Bayala, a private game reserve. NEWF's commitment to inclusivity and authenticity in storytelling is evident in their efforts to address the lack of representation in the industry.
One of the most inspiring stories emerging from this movement is that of Silindile Mbuyazi, a local diver who embarked on a personal quest to find her brother's body, which had drowned in Sodwana Bay. Mbuyazi's journey led her to discover a new world, including a green turtle she recognized as her grandmother, who had passed away in 2010. This experience not only brought her closure but also ignited a passion for diving, leading her to become a diving instructor with NEWF.
NEWF's influence extends beyond diving and filmmaking. They have introduced composition workshops to enhance the musical backdrop of their documentaries, ensuring that the region's cultural essence is reflected. The trust's efforts have been recognized with a National Geographic film score winning the best original score at the Jackson Wild film festival, surpassing Hans Zimmer's composition for David Attenborough's 'Frozen Planet II'.
The Koks' vision is ambitious, aiming to build a dive and filmmaking center in Sodwana Bay, secured with annual funding from National Geographic. This center, named eKhaya (meaning 'home' in Zulu), features an editing suite, a dive pool, and accommodation for fellows. The trust's impact is far-reaching, with local interns learning to swim and eventually diving, and Ethiopian filmmaker Elshadye Berhanu gaining invaluable experience during her residency.
NEWF's influence extends globally, with its fellows contributing to diverse projects, from volunteering with the elderly to rock pool research. The trust's dedication to empowering African filmmakers and marine biologists is a testament to its potential to revolutionize wildlife documentaries, ensuring that the stories of Africa's wildlife are told authentically and inclusively.
