In the vast landscape of wildlife documentaries, a quiet revolution is taking place in South Africa, led by the passionate duo of Pragna Parsotam-Kok and Noel Kok. Their journey began with a simple observation: the lack of African voices in the narrative of Africa's wildlife. This realization sparked a mission to empower and amplify the stories of Africa's diverse ecosystems through the lens of African filmmakers and scientists. What makes this endeavor particularly fascinating is the couple's determination to not only create content but also to educate and inspire a new generation of storytellers and conservationists.
The Koks' journey started with the establishment of the Nature Environment and Wildlife Conservation Trust (NEWF). Their initial focus was on addressing the dearth of African wildlife documentary makers, particularly those from the African continent. One of the key insights that emerged from this endeavor was the realization that many marine biologists in Africa could not swim, let alone scuba dive, which presented a significant barrier to underwater filmmaking. This led to the creation of the first dive "lab" for filmmakers and scientists in 2019, marking a pivotal moment in the organization's history.
The impact of NEWF's efforts is evident in the diverse range of projects it has supported. From training over 200 divers in Sodwana Bay to establishing a dive and filmmaking center in Bayala, the trust has become a hub for innovation and creativity. The center, named eKhaya, meaning "home" in Zulu, is a testament to the Koks' vision of creating a supportive environment for fellows to develop their skills and tell authentic stories.
One of the most inspiring aspects of NEWF's work is its focus on music composition. The organization recognizes the importance of representing the region's cultural heritage in wildlife documentaries. This led to the addition of composition workshops, where fellows learn to create music that complements the natural beauty of Africa. The result is a more nuanced and culturally sensitive approach to storytelling, as seen in the National Geographic film about Botswana's Okavango Delta, which won best original score at the Jackson Wild film festival.
The Koks' commitment to education and empowerment is further exemplified by their partnership with local diver Silindile Mbuyazi. Mbuyazi, who started learning to dive to find her brother's body, discovered a whole new world and a sense of purpose. She began teaching diving with NEWF in 2022 and proposed a partnership to build the dive and filmmaking center on her grandmother's land. This partnership not only provides a base for fellows to learn and create but also serves as a symbol of the power of community and collaboration.
The impact of NEWF's work extends beyond the realm of wildlife documentaries. It has become a catalyst for personal growth and self-discovery, as seen in the story of Ethiopian filmmaker Elshadye Berhanu. Berhanu, who attended a one-week NEWF workshop, gained invaluable practical and creative experience, which has enriched her work on films about cheetahs and Mbuyazi. The workshop provided her with a deeper understanding of the stories she was telling, and the ability to capture them authentically.
In conclusion, the Koks' journey with NEWF is a testament to the power of passion, innovation, and collaboration. Their efforts have not only changed the landscape of wildlife documentaries but have also inspired a new generation of storytellers and conservationists. As they continue to negotiate new funding and expand their vision, the future looks bright for NEWF and the diverse range of stories it will continue to empower and amplify.
