The South African trailblazers seeking to change how wildlife documentaries are made
In the vast expanse of Africa's natural wonders, a unique initiative is reshaping the landscape of wildlife documentaries. This story centers around Pragna Parsotam-Kok and Noel Kok, a dynamic couple with a shared passion for nature and a mission to amplify African voices in the realm of wildlife filmmaking. Their journey began with a simple yet profound realization: the scarcity of African wildlife documentary makers and the challenges in accessing animals for filming.
The couple's response was to establish the Nature Environment and Wildlife Conservation Trust (NEWF), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to fostering a community of African wildlife filmmakers. In 2017, they organized the first conference for African wildlife filmmakers, a pivotal moment in their quest for authenticity and representation.
However, their journey took an unexpected turn in 2018 when they encountered a surprising challenge. While searching for African underwater filmmakers for a panel discussion, they discovered a startling fact: many marine biologists on the continent lacked the basic skill of swimming, let alone scuba diving. This revelation sparked a new direction for NEWF, leading to the creation of their first dive "lab" in 2019, which has since grown into a nearly 400-strong cohort from 37 African countries and 13 more in the global south.
Noel Kok, reflecting on the initial challenge, humorously noted the rarity of black African nature, environment, and wildlife filmmakers, a stark contrast to the species conservation efforts on the continent. This exclusion, he believed, deprived the stories of Africa's wildlife of authenticity, leaving them incomplete.
NEWF's efforts have extended beyond training divers and filmmakers. In 2021, they introduced composition workshops, addressing the common issue of using generic background music in wildlife documentaries. This led to a breakthrough when the music for a National Geographic film about Botswana's Okavango Delta, composed by NEWF fellows, won the best original score at the Jackson Wild film festival, surpassing Hans Zimmer's score for David Attenborough's 'Frozen Planet II'.
The Koks' dedication to their mission is exemplified by their collaboration with local diver Silindile Mbuyazi, affectionately known as Mama Sli. Mbuyazi's journey began with a personal quest to find her brother's body, which had drowned in Sodwana Bay in 2015. She defied community warnings and discovered a new world, including a green turtle she recognized as her grandmother, who had raised her and passed away in 2010. This transformative experience led her to become a diving instructor with NEWF in 2022.
Recognizing the need for a dedicated base, NEWF established eKhaya, a center built on Mbuyazi's grandmother's land, featuring an editing suite, a dive pool, and 12 rooms for fellows. The center has become a hub of activity, hosting musicians, interns, and traditional Zulu officials, all contributing to the organization's diverse projects.
The Koks' influence extends beyond eKhaya. They are currently negotiating new National Geographic funding, with aspirations to purchase a dive boat and construct a six-person fellows' house in Bayala. Their impact is evident in the success of Ethiopian filmmaker Elshadye Berhanu, who has gained invaluable experience through NEWF residencies, resulting in a deeper understanding of the cheetahs' story and a newfound joy in filmmaking.
As NEWF continues to evolve, it stands as a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. The couple's dedication to changing the narrative of wildlife documentaries has not only empowered individuals but has also contributed to a more authentic and diverse representation of Africa's natural wonders, leaving an indelible mark on the world of filmmaking.
