The short films were focused on the theme of conservation. Recurrent themes were humanwildlife conflict and women’s place in the landscape as guardians of the natural world.
A film by Tracy Keza, Modeste Ndayishimiye and Cedric Ujeneza
Meet the first female ever to become a porter in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park; Judith broke boundaries to emerge as both a passionate protector of the endangered mountain gorilla and a revered role model in her community.
A film by Rufusia Molefeh
Set in the Okavango Delta, the inhabitants of the small communities of Ditshiping & Boro live an unconventional way of life of human-elephant co-existence in an ecosystem which is home to the majestic African Elephant Species. Driven by an instinct to stay alive, both human life and wildlife are on an even scale in this ecosystem. Due diligence of respect to territory is the only way to stay alive for the people of the wetlands. The aim of this documentary is to express how the unconventional lifestyle of the people of the Okavango Delta has had a major impact in conserving the elephant species of the Delta. Four female characters invite us into their unconventional lifestyle of human-elephant co-existence. Their story reveals the spectacular connection humans have with nature and their due diligence to respect of territory, all entirely based on human instinct and the sole purpose of survival.
A flm by Jubulian Ngaruwa
A group of women known as the maids of Osun have taken it upon themselves to fight the issues of gold mining polluting their ‘ones’ fresh water, a long flowing river which is their temple of worship and source income. This short introductory piece, a work in progress focuses on Gold, gods, polluted river and the conscientious Osun women.
A film by Tembisa Jordaan
This story is about the unheard voices of traditional marine fishers. On the doorstep of Isimangaliso Wetland Park – a nature lover’s wonderland that attracts tourists from all over the world – are the homes of the poorest and most marginalized coastal communities who have a high dependency on natural resources for survival. In the heart of the most tranquil beaches, we follow brave village Women as they conquer the harshness of the waves just to provide for their families. We take a walk in their shoes as they share in on their past and present experiences of the ocean, the generational access to marine living resources, their indigenous knowledge on the practice of mussel harvesting and what they hope for in future, especially since they were once criminalized during apartheid times for wanting to provide food for their families.
A film by Samira Haji
This short documentary highlights the conflicts between humans and wildlife in adjacent villages in Serengeti. For centuries humans have co-existed with animals, both harmoniously and in conflict. With growing population and urbanization, encroachment has become a key factor in promoting human-wildlife conflict due to conflict of habitat and resources. Alongside our conservation efforts, working together with various stakeholders in developing systematic solutions in mitigating human-wildlife conflict and promoting human-wildlife coexistence is important. Human-wildlife conflict (HWC) is not a new concept in the Western Serengeti; it has been there for many years in this ecosystem. FZS through the Western Serengeti predator-human conflict and human elephant conflict projects along with other stakeholders like TAWIRI and local government aim at assisting the affected communities find solutions in mitigating the impacts of human-wildlife conflict in these areas. This short documentary highlighting the conflicts between humans and wildlife in adjacent villages in Serengeti was directed by Samira Omar Haji and filmed by Emmanuel and edited by Mercy John and Sam Obae.
A film by Rachel Wambui
A young man from the Maasai community has become a fierce guardian of the vulture, working tirelessly to protect the future of this often disregarded but increasingly endangered animal.
A film by Katya Ignatiev
People have lived in Jawai for hundreds of years, but the untold secret about this specific community is that here they share their land with leopards. Are they intruding on each other’s territory? Is there a rift between man and this predatory species? In this story we dive deep into the life of a single Rabari shepherd. He believes there is religious significance when a member of his livestock is taken; a small sacrifice made for a harmonious and respectful coexistence. However, are both fates of the Rabari community and the Jawai leopards equally threatened by an adjusting modern world?
A film by Michelle Donde
Catching birds in a net, capturing them by their necks and fastening a band around their legs may not sound so pleasant. But when conducted by the gentle and professional hands of the members of the Nairobi Ringing Group, it’s difficult not to stare in awe. This close-knit group has perfected the skill of bird ringing. A necessary practice that helps monitor migration of birds, health of an eco-system and manage bird populations, amongst other environmental factors. Delve into the intriguing world of bird ringing and banding in Kenya.
a short film by Pauline Kyalo
Milele is a story about a topic – The Importance of Trees – as seen throughout a young woman’s life. It however has a new meaning now that she is faced with living in a pandemic. The park being the only place she can frequently go to during quarantine, she realizes it feels like home and that there might be undiscovered reasons as to why we should conserve green spaces. Then ability to walk, jog, breathe in fresh air, sit and read is all that she’s got and she understands it needs to be protected for today’s and tomorrow’s unknown needs.
A film by Michaela Skovranova
I see climate change in a similar way to an illness that takes hold of your body. It starts silently, unnoticed. By the time it’s deeply visible the entire ecosystem is in a cytokine storm almost impossible to control. On February 6, 2020, weather stations recorded the hottest temperature on record for Antarctica. Thermometers at the Esperanza Base on the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula reached 18.3°C (64.9°F) The warm weather caused widespread melting on nearby glaciers.I imagine all the tiny snowflakes that had fallen over many lifetimes to build this masterpiece and all the life that depends on it. With the loss of sea ice, we face mass extinctions of wildlife and sea-level rise, which will ripple all across the globe.
