Films For African Wildlife

Thank you to everyone who joined the energetic team of 200 people who gathered virtually to discuss how we can accelerate African filmmaking and storytelling to save wildlife. The Open Space Technology (OST) event attracted participants from over 40 countries in response to the question “Africans at the heart of African wildlife filmmaking and storytelling to conserve Africa’s spectacular wild heritage. How can we make it happen?” 

We were deeply humbled by the presence of young people including a 12-year-old boy who led a discussion with adults about the role of young people in wildlife storytelling. The future is theirs. We must listen.

Though dozens of great ideas were generated during the Open Space Technology Event, voting revealed some priorities including “Involve communities and children in storytelling”, “Connect African creatives with producers and editors around the world” and “Raise adequate funds for African filmmakers”. You can read the report and all the priorities here.

Our event attracted media attention in The Star newspaper in Kenya written by Kari Mutu here.

We are deeply grateful to the following supporters of the event – Dr Manu Chandaria, WWF Africa and National Geographic. The event involved major film industry leaders included The BBC Studios Natural History Unit, National Geographic Society, Jackson Wild, RED Digital Cinema, Nature Environment and Wildlife Filmmakers (NEWF), Viewfinders Kenya Limited, The Othrs, Wildstar Films, Mpala Research Centre, and the Ramat Wildlife Society. Follow and join the conversation online using the hashtag #Films4AfricanWildlife.