Come with us into wild Africa to experience how local communities are taking action to defend nature. From Africa’s first armed all-women anti-poaching unit to the transformational story of Kenya’s once most wanted poacher, these films invite the viewer to consider, embrace and absorb the empowerment of local communities protecting previous wildlife.

Akashinga (6min)

Directed by Steven Dean

Africa’s first armed, all-women anti-poaching unit is revolutionising the way that animals are protected – and arresting poachers with minimal conflict. These women aren’t called the ‘Brave Ones’ for no reason, they have already overcome abuse, marginalisation, and trauma. Now they are empowered to protect themselves and the African animals under constant threat.

🐘 Mutinda (13min)

Directed by Ryan Wilkes and produced by Harry Seagar

‘Mutinda’ is the transformational story of Kenya’s once most wanted poacher, Mutinda Ndivo. After a life of killing treasured animals and running from the authorities, a decisive moment occurred that changed him forever. Mutinda is now an award-winning wildlife protector, working as a conservation ranger for Big Life Foundation’s Dog Unit. ‘Mutinda’ is an inspiring story of legacy, transformation and recognizing the potential good in those who may have been forced into a life of transgression.

🦏 Mkomazi Rhino Guardians (14min)

Directed by Hans Cosmas Ngoteya and produced by Ngoteya Wild

This documentary was filmed in Mkomazi National Park, 3,245km2 of land that was established in 2008, which is among the youngest national parks in Tanzania. It was created to raise awareness on the efforts done by our local conservationist in Tanzania to protect and breed these endangered species. To this date, due to their efforts the number of these endangered species have increased, education is provided to both the communities surrounding the Mkomazi National Park and to the public on the importance of conserving and protecting these endangered species.

🇿🇼 The Malilangwe Scouts (11min)

Directed by James Suter & Sam Suter

This film documents a team of dedicated individuals fighting to protect Zimbabwe’s natural heritage, with a focus on rhinos. The Malilangwe Trust, not only inspired us, but made us realize that anti-poaching is not just about training and discipline, it’s also about forming bonds with those in your team. Rhino poaching has reached crisis levels in southern Africa and without this team this area would not be flourishing the way it currently is. We would continue to lose more rhinos in Zimbabwe. The training that these scouts undergo is intense. Not everyone makes it. Watch and learn more about this team, about the training, about protecting rhinos - “Its our legacy, our future” - a quote directly from the film.

🐵 Mahale Chimp Guardians (28min)

Directed by Hans Cosmas Ngoteya and produced by Bush to Base Solution & Ngoteya Wild

This is the story of greater Mahale and its global significance as a biodiversity hotspot. Mzee Bunengwa has lived in Mahale throughout his life. Through his background history, he takes us back and tells us how the Mahale National Park was and what he has been observing to the state that the park is today. He also tells us about how he manages to live and build relationships with chimps, and what motivates him to advocate and protect them.

Butati is one of the professional guides in Mahale, his father was a chimpanzee tracker in the park, he was born around the park and heard stories about the chimps since he was in his mother’s womb. Butatu then decided to pursue his career as a chimpanzee specialist guide, and now he works back home in the Mahale NP. Under his experience he explains the conservation status of chimps’, behavior, ecology and why it is important to protect greater mahale for future use.

An expert Q&A panel will follow this film session. The total run time will be 2h.

To see our full program and detailed information please go to: https://wildearthoceania.com/

Contact the host of WEOFF: Empowered Communities

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