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 encountered the stark reality of limited access to wildlife for filming and a dearth of African wildlife documentary makers. This led to the establishment of NEWF, with a vision to foster a community of diverse talent.
One of the key challenges they identified was the lack of African underwater filmmakers and marine biologists who could swim, let alone scuba dive. To address this, NEWF organized its first dive 'lab' in 2019, training 10 fellows from 37 African countries and 13 more from the global south. This initiative marked a turning point, as the Koks aimed to change the way wildlife documentaries are made, ensuring authenticity and representation.
The impact of NEWF's efforts is evident in the training of over 200 divers in Sodwana Bay, South Africa, and the establishment of Bayala, a private game reserve for wildlife filmmaking. The trust's commitment to inclusivity and representation is further showcased through its music composition workshops, addressing the over-use of classical music in nature documentaries. This attention to detail has paid off, with NEWF fellows' music winning the best original score at the Jackson Wild film festival, surpassing Hans Zimmer's composition for David Attenborough's 'Frozen Planet II'.
A pivotal moment in NEWF's journey was the meeting with Silindile Mbuyazi, a local diver who embarked on a personal quest to find her brother's body in Sodwana Bay. Through her diving adventures, Mbuyazi discovered a new world and a green turtle she believed to be her grandmother. This experience led her to become a diving instructor with NEWF, teaching over 150 fellows to dive. The trust's recognition of the need for a dedicated base led to the establishment of eKhaya, a center built on Mbuyazi's grandmother's land, offering editing suites, a dive pool, and accommodation for fellows.
The Koks' efforts have attracted international attention, with Ethiopian filmmaker Elshadye Berhanu participating in a two-month residency to work on films about cheetahs and Mbuyazi. Berhanu's experience at NEWF has been transformative, providing her with practical and creative insights that have enhanced her filmmaking skills. The trust's impact extends beyond filmmaking, with initiatives like volunteering with elderly locals and rock pool research, fostering a sense of community and environmental stewardship.
Looking ahead, NEWF is in negotiations for new funding from National Geographic, with aspirations to purchase a dive boat and construct a fellows' house in Bayala. The trust's dedication to empowering African filmmakers and marine biologists is a testament to its potential to revolutionize the wildlife documentary industry, ensuring a more authentic and diverse representation of Africa's natural wonders.
