The world of wildlife documentary-making is undergoing a transformative shift, and it's all thanks to the visionary efforts of Pragna Parsotam-Kok and Noel Kok, a dynamic duo from South Africa. Their journey began with a simple yet powerful realization: the lack of African voices and perspectives in wildlife storytelling. This sparked a mission to empower and amplify the stories of Africa's wildlife through the lens of its own people.
A Movement for Authenticity
The couple's not-for-profit organization, the Nature Environment and Wildlife Conservation Trust (NEWF), was established with a clear vision: to bring African wildlife filmmakers and scientists together, and to ensure that the stories of Africa's natural wonders were told authentically by Africans themselves. Noel Kok's observation that black African nature filmmakers were rarer than the species they aimed to protect was a stark reminder of the need for representation and diversity in wildlife media.
Diving into a New World
One of the most fascinating aspects of NEWF's work is its focus on underwater filmmaking and diving. The couple's search for African underwater filmmakers led them to discover a surprising fact: many marine biologists on the continent couldn't swim, let alone scuba dive. This prompted NEWF to organize dive "labs" and training programs, empowering individuals like Silindile Mbuyazi, who not only learned to dive but also found a new purpose and passion in the ocean.
Mbuyazi's story is a testament to the transformative power of NEWF's initiatives. She proposed a partnership to build a dive and filmmaking center, eKhaya, on her grandmother's land, creating a home for aspiring filmmakers and divers. eKhaya, which opened in 2023, is a bustling hub of activity, offering editing suites, dive pools, and accommodation for fellows.
Redefining Wildlife Storytelling
NEWF's impact extends beyond diving and filmmaking. The organization has trained hundreds in wildlife filmmaking on land, and its composition workshops are challenging the status quo. Noel Kok's frustration with the overuse of classical music in African wildlife films is a call for more authentic and representative storytelling. The music for a National Geographic film about Botswana's Okavango Delta, composed by NEWF fellows, won an award, proving that local talent and perspectives can create powerful and authentic narratives.
A Global Impact
The reach of NEWF's work is impressive. With fellows from 37 African countries and 13 more in the global south, the organization is fostering a diverse and talented community of wildlife storytellers. Ethiopian filmmaker Elshadye Berhanu's experience with NEWF is a testament to the organization's ability to provide invaluable practical and creative opportunities. Berhanu's work on films about cheetahs and Mbuyazi showcases the depth and authenticity that NEWF's initiatives bring to wildlife storytelling.
A Vision for the Future
As NEWF continues to secure funding and expand its reach, the future looks bright. The organization's aspirations include purchasing a dive boat and building a fellows' house, ensuring that its impact is felt for years to come. The work of Pragna Parsotam-Kok and Noel Kok is a powerful reminder that representation and diversity are essential for authentic storytelling. Their vision and dedication are inspiring a new generation of African wildlife filmmakers, divers, and storytellers, ensuring that Africa's natural wonders are celebrated and shared with the world through the eyes of its own people.
