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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WILDSCREEN FESTIVAL TANZANIA FILMMAKER CASE STUDIES: Erica Rugabandana
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).
Nature’s Storytellers – The Next Generation
Meet the creative talent inspiring and energising the wildlife storytellers of the future…
If you searched for information about the natural history filmmaking industry, it’s almost inevitable the word “storytelling” would appear in the first few minutes. Adults and children alike know the power of a good story, but when communicating about nature – often an otherworldly experience for those less connected to it – a relatable story is essential to understand perspectives and experiences beyond our own existence.
Until the digital revolution, the telling of such stories was limited to a small group of (incredibly skilled) individuals, with the imagination, craft and opportunity to do so. The giants of natural history filmmaking… Sir David Attenborough, Chris Parsons, Sir Alastair Fothergill and their talented teams and contributors… have created a legacy of inspiration that so many of us have followed, but new digital platforms are democratising access for many young talented people and giving them a voice to tell their stories in the way they want to, sharing their unique life experiences, perspectives and messages. And we’re here for what they have to say.
Building Wildscreen ARK with fresh perspectives has been our intention from the start and will be the key to its success. So – which UK storytellers are we following (read fangirling over) at the moment and will be inspiring the next generation?
Nadeem Perera
Birding expert, TV presenter and co-founder of Flock Together, a now worldwide initiative to connect more people of colour with nature in the local environment, Nadeem is popping up all over the place – Springwatch, The One Show, and numerous schools that he supports with Flock Together Academy. Nadeem is an activist reaching out to new audiences with relatable enthusiasm and we love him for this.
Follow Nadeem on Instagram: @birdnerdeem
Lira (Outside With Lira)
London’s urban wildlife queen, wetlands ranger Lira makes waves on social media with her reels linking wellbeing and nature. She finds time to appreciate even the creepiest of crawlies, advocates for conservation and demonstrates how this can improve all our lives – all with fabulous nails. Legendary.
Follow Lira on Instagram: @outsidewithlira
Aneeshwar Kunchala
Despite his age, Aneeshwar has a big, energetic impact. You’ll likely know him from Britain’s Got Talent, but as an artist, poet, conservationist, keynote speaker and TV presenter, he’s showing the youngest humans that they can have a voice and influence at any age. Aneeshwar speaks a truth we all need to hear.
Follow Aneeshwar on Instagram: @aneeshwar_wild_planet
Leo Richards (Natural World Facts)
With a reach that is the envy of some large production companies, Leo combines his degree in marine biology, beautiful oceanic footage and rich narration to create unique YouTube videos that buck the trending topics in natural history. Never has deep sea gigantism been so hypnotising… and soothing.
Follow Leo on Instagram: @naturalwfacts
8 out of 10 Bats Team
Filling an autumn-shaped gap in UK nature calendars with a freely accessible, fresh new YouTube perspective, Chris Packham and Megan McCubbin supported an outstanding cast of young conservationists and filmmakers including Indy Greene, Christina Sinclair, George Hassall and Kwesia (City Girl In Nature) in telling new stories from Dundreggan Rewilding Centre in Scotland. No small feat of self-production, this was a masterclass in amplifying voices.
Follow 8 Out Of 10 Bats on Instagram: @8outof10bats
Megan James
Megan is a nature photographer and filmmaker based in Norfolk. Featuring a mixture of stunning UK wildlife photography and entertaining edits that shed light behind the camera, Megan has been an early supporter of Wildscreen ARK so we’re very happy to be featuring her fantastic work!
Follow Megan on Instagram: @megangjames
Not an exhaustive list by any means, but certainly the ones we’re talking about most recently in the Wildscreen ARK roost. What would be yours? Tag us in your favourite up and coming natural world storytellers on our socials!
