WILDSCREEN FESTIVAL TANZANIA FILMMAKER CASE STUDIES: Hans Cosmas Ngoteya
In the latest in a series of Tanzanian filmmaker case studies, we meet Hans Cosmas Ngoteya, co-founder of Ngoteya Wild.
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In the latest in a series of Tanzanian filmmaker case studies, we meet Erica Rugabandana, founder of Sima Wild Film.
WILDSCREEN FESTIVAL TANZANIA FILMMAKER CASE STUDIES: Eliya Lawrence Uzia
In the latest in a series of Tanzanian filmmaker case studies, we meet Eliya Lawrence Uzia, co-founder of Tanzania Wildlife Media Association (TaWiMa).
MEET OLIVE – OUR PROJECT ASSISTANT!
1. Tell us a bit about your role!
So, I’ve recently been welcomed back into the fold and my role is a little hard to describe right now! I’m a “Project Assistant” and am involved in many aspects of Wildscreen’s output and inner workings! From helping organise the office move and beautification to helping plan and book speakers for Webinars, assisting with networking events, and gathering festival feedback for sponsorship and board reports.
2. What’s your background?
Since graduating with a Biology degree in 2020, I have dabbled in a few areas of television production, working as a Runner, Production Management Assistant, and most recently a Junior Researcher on Springwatch. I had the opportunity to work on the Wildscreen Festival 2022, assisting in pulling together the programme for the 5-day event, and now I’m back and excited to get stuck into everything that’s going on!
3. What motivates you?
Knowing that the work I’m doing, or the organisation I’m working for, is pioneering for positive change within an influential industry. I have been incredibly lucky to grow up with close access to nature and green spaces and I’m wholly aware that that’s not a possibility for so many. Media and storytelling in all its forms harnesses the power to bring stories of nature to those that can’t experience it firsthand. Bringing this awareness and connection to the natural world inspires a collective and collaborative passion to take steps towards protecting our planet.
4. If you could change one thing about the natural history industry, what would it be?
That people are able to own and benefit from the stories closest to them – the conservationists, scientists, local workers etc. that are closest to the stories being told should be able to benefit from the impact of these stories. Steps are absolutely being taken in this direction but there’s still a way to go to.
5. What are your career goals?
To continue working in a space that inspires positive action and change. I don’t have a specific role or future goal in mind but I know that I want to continue working to connect people with nature and help them benefit from this connection.
6. Favourite moment working at Wildscreen?
Witnessing the final session in the Parsons Theatre at the 2022 Wildscreen Festival; a discussion with the makers of My Octopus Teacher. I had worked SO hard to manage all the sessions happening in that space and it felt like such an achievement to reach that finish line, seeing the final session so full of attendees, people were standing at the back or sitting on the floor. It felt so special to finish on that session and have the room filled to the brim with delegates excited to hear about the making of this beautiful story.
7. What’s your favourite story from nature?
I’m fascinated by human stories and their connections with the natural world. There’s a wonderful podcast called “This is Love” and the episode “Something Large and Wild” is quite something. I won’t ruin it for you but it features a young woman, swimming in the ocean, encountering a young whale calf that’s been separated from its mother… please listen to the episode to discover the whole story – it had me crying!
8. Describe working for Wildscreen in three words!
Fulfilling, collaborative and caring.
9. If you could turn into any animal for a day, what would you be and why?
A seal! I’m so drawn to the ocean and seals are just hilarious, I’d love to zip about under the waves, be a curious little dude and then bathe on a rock in the sun for hours.
10. What’s a fun fact about you?
I used to be a competitive trampolinist – competing in the South England University Leagues for trampolining! and when I can get to it, am an avid scuba diver, hoping to do my Dive Master qualifications soon!
