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 goal? To create authentic and diverse wildlife stories that reflect the continent's rich biodiversity. This article delves into the transformative journey of NEWF, its impact on African filmmakers, and its unique approach to wildlife conservation.
A Visionary Beginning
The Koks' journey began in 2015 when they encountered the stark reality of limited African wildlife documentary makers and the challenges of accessing animals for filming. This realization sparked the creation of NEWF, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to fostering a community of African wildlife filmmakers and marine biologists. The first conference in 2017 was a pivotal moment, but it also unveiled a surprising statistic: many marine biologists couldn't swim, let alone scuba dive.
Breaking Barriers: Diving and Filmmaking
To address this, NEWF organized its first dive 'lab' in 2019, training 10 attendees in Sodwana Bay, South Africa. This initiative marked the beginning of a diverse fellowship program, now boasting nearly 400 members from 37 African countries and 13 more in the global south. The Koks' mission is to ensure that African filmmakers and marine biologists have the skills and confidence to tell the authentic stories of Africa's wildlife.
Music and Authenticity
NEWF's commitment to authenticity extends beyond diving. In 2021, they introduced composition workshops, addressing the issue of music in wildlife documentaries. Noel Kok expressed his frustration with the overused lion-chasing-buck-on-the-African-plain trope, advocating for music that represents the region's culture. This led to a breakthrough when NEWF fellows, including local musician Koolkat Motyiko, composed the score for a National Geographic film about Botswana's Okavango Delta. The score won the best original score at the Jackson Wild film festival, surpassing Hans Zimmer's composition for David Attenborough's 'Frozen Planet II'.
A Personal Transformation: Silindile Mbuyazi's Story
The story of Silindile Mbuyazi, affectionately known as Mama Sli, is a testament to NEWF's impact. Mbuyazi, who wanted to find her brother's body in Sodwana Bay, discovered a new world and a sense of self through diving. She fell in love with the ocean and began teaching diving with NEWF in 2022. NEWF's eKhaya center, built on her grandmother's land, now serves as a hub for fellows, providing editing suites, a dive pool, and accommodation.
Building a Community: Interns and Fellows
eKhaya was bustling with activity during a visit in June. Local interns, taught to swim by staff who had learned the previous year, were preparing for diving lessons. NEWF currently has 30 interns working on diverse projects, from volunteering with elderly locals to rock pool research. The Koks are also negotiating new funding for a dive boat and a fellows' house in Bayala, showcasing their ambitious plans for the future.
Empowering Filmmakers: Elshadye Berhanu's Experience
Ethiopian filmmaker Elshadye Berhanu's residency with NEWF exemplifies the program's impact. She attended a one-week workshop in November 2024 and has since gained invaluable experience. Berhanu's film about cheetahs and her personal journey demonstrate the depth of understanding and happiness that comes from authentic storytelling.
In conclusion, NEWF's innovative approach to wildlife conservation and filmmaking is not just about changing the industry; it's about empowering individuals and communities. By addressing the lack of representation and providing the necessary skills, NEWF is fostering a new generation of African filmmakers and marine biologists, ensuring that the stories of Africa's wildlife are told authentically and passionately.
