Storytelling is an incredibly powerful tool in effecting change and I was super lucky to be selected for the Wildscreen Emerging Talent Internship hosted by AFRISOS in Arusha Tanzania. – Maliha Sumar
My background is a bit of a hodge-podge, I’ve worked in the industry and out! My journey has taken me through roles in production management, festival coordination, and teaching, each of which has honed my skills in communication, project management, and creative thinking.
Wildscreen 2024 sees the return of our iconic kit show, dedicated to showcasing the companies and technology at the cutting edge of natural world storytelling.
Tell us a bit about your role!
My role as an Video Creator Intern this summer consists of coming up with concepts, editing and producing videos for Wildscreen. This includes working alongside the team in developing Wildscreen ARK and showcasing highlights of the recent Nairobi Festival!
What’s your background?
I have recently graduated from Southampton University with a Bsc (Hons) Zoology degree, where I studied all things wildlife, ecology and conservation both in lectures and abroad on field trips! Throughout my degree I have also explored my passion for storytelling, with my 3rd year project in Science Communication and work experience placements at wildlife television companies. These experiences have really allowed me to think creatively which I love, and this has only been enhanced by interning at Wildscreen!
What motivates you?
Creating things and being a part of projects that can inspire others and that future me can be proud of!
If you could change one thing about the natural history industry, what would it be?
I would make it more positive! Although this is starting to be the case, I think there has been a lot of doom and gloom in recent years about how the world is in crisis from a climate and biodiversity perspective, which has sparked a lot of anxiety particularly in the younger generation – including myself. I think there should be a shift towards inspiring people to act and showcasing the beauty of the natural world and the good people are doing globally because there’s a lot of it that we don’t see that can be just as impactful!
What are your career goals?
I would love to explore a career in production and television, starting out within research and development and working towards being a producer within natural history! I would also really like to do something that engages with the public and nature in a more tangible way, so that I can be a part of the people doing amazing things to make the world a more sustainable place.
Favourite moment working at Wildscreen?
My favourite moment working with Wildscreen was showing my first edited video to the rest of the team and receiving an overwhelmingly positive response having only just started to learn how to edit! This really boosted my confidence and I love the team dynamic that has made this possible.
What’s your favourite story from nature?
My favourite story is from when I was 16 years old, I went on a family holiday to Costa Rica. Whilst we were there, we went on a guided night walk with conservationists to a secluded beach, where we were lucky enough to see a turtle come up from the ocean, dig a hole in the sand, lay its eggs and go back to the ocean. It was an incredible and emotional experience that has always stuck with me after learning how are endangered they are and the effort they go through in all stages of life to survive and ensure a future for their young. This was a pinnacle moment that led to me deciding to study Zoology at uni!
Describe working for Wildscreen in three words!
Positive, fun and inclusive!
If you could turn into any animal for a day, what would you be and why?
Either a dolphin because they are really social, intelligent and playful, or a sloth so that I could sleep all day haha
What’s a fun fact about you?
I love dancing! I’m always the first on the dancefloor and my favourite styles are street and tap!
