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 who, driven by a passion for conservation and a desire to amplify African voices in the field, have embarked on a transformative journey. Their mission is to empower African wildlife filmmakers and marine biologists, bridging the gap between storytelling and authenticity.
The Koks' journey began in 2015 when they produced a wildlife series for South African television, only to encounter the stark reality of limited access to animals for filming and a scarcity of African wildlife documentary makers. This realization sparked their determination to address these challenges head-on.
Their response was the establishment of the Nature Environment and Wildlife Conservation Trust (NEWF), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to fostering collaboration among African wildlife filmmakers and marine biologists. In 2017, they organized the inaugural conference for African wildlife filmmakers, marking a significant step towards their vision.
However, a pivotal moment occurred in 2018 when the Koks discovered a pressing issue within the marine biology community. They found that many marine biologists on the continent lacked the essential skill of swimming, let alone scuba diving. This realization led to the creation of NEWF's first dive 'lab' in 2019, where 10 attendees became the inaugural fellows in a program that has since grown to include nearly 400 individuals from 37 African countries and 13 more in the global south.
Noel Kok, reflecting on the initial challenge, humorously remarked, 'Black African nature, environment, and wildlife filmmakers were rarer than most of the species scientists and conservationists were trying to protect on the continent.' This sentiment underscores the profound impact of their work in addressing a critical gap in representation.
NEWF's efforts have extended beyond training divers and filmmakers. In 2021, they introduced composition workshops, addressing the issue of music representation in wildlife documentaries. Kok expressed his frustration with the common trope of lions chasing antelopes against a backdrop of classical music, emphasizing the importance of regional authenticity.
The fruits of their labor were evident in 2023 when the music for a National Geographic film about Botswana's Okavango Delta, composed by NEWF fellows, including local musician Koolkat Motyiko, won the best original score at the Jackson Wild film festival. This achievement not only showcased the talent of African artists but also challenged the industry's norms.
The Koks' dedication to their mission is exemplified by their collaboration with Silindile Mbuyazi, a local diver who embarked on a personal journey to find her brother's body in Sodwana Bay. Mbuyazi's experience with NEWF not only led to the discovery of a new world beneath the waves but also a profound sense of self-discovery and love for the ocean.
Recognizing the need for a dedicated base, NEWF established eKhaya, a center built on Mbuyazi's grandmother's land, in November 2023. This facility, named 'home' in Zulu, features an editing suite, a dive pool, and 12 rooms for fellows. The center has become a hub of activity, hosting interns, musicians, and traditional Zulu officials, all contributing to the organization's mission.
The Koks' influence extends beyond eKhaya. They are currently negotiating new National Geographic funding, with aspirations that include purchasing a dive boat and constructing a six-person fellows' house in Bayala. Their impact is further evident in the success of Ethiopian filmmaker Elshadye Berhanu, who has gained invaluable experience through NEWF residencies, resulting in a deeper understanding of wildlife storytelling.
As the sun rose over the adapted safari vehicle, Elshadye Berhanu's lens captured the rare sight of six cheetahs, two mothers, and their cubs. This moment, made possible by NEWF's initiatives, highlights the profound impact of their work in nurturing talent and fostering a more authentic representation of Africa's wildlife.
In conclusion, the Koks' journey exemplifies the power of passion and perseverance in driving positive change. Their efforts have not only empowered individuals but have also reshaped the narrative of wildlife documentaries, ensuring that Africa's stories are told with authenticity and pride.
