People’sWeather on DStv Channel-180 screens the 2020 Nature, Environment & Wildlife Filmmakers (NEWF) Congress from 25 to 30 October, 2020.
The Congress has been moved to a virtual platform inside a VR headset. It brings together nature, environment, and wildlife filmmakers, scientists, conservationists and broadcast media to connect in a series of seminars and networking sessions, as well as to enjoy the screening of topical films by African filmmakers.
Films, which are all under 15 minutes long, include filmmakers’ personal journeys of discovery, investigative reports on illegal wildlife trade, educational revelations of species and game parks under threat, spiritual connections with marine life, attempts to overcome fears of nature in all its powerful majesty, and much more.
“There is something for everyone in this fascinating package of short films,” says Stephan Le Roux, CEO of People’sWeather. “There are snakes and “dragons”, bats and birds, whales and turtles, pangolins and bees, activists and conservationists, scientists and students – each little film, promises to impact on our audiences, and leave them wanting more.”
NEWF Short Film Festival films
Azilali – They do not Sleep – 11.37 minutes
The creatures of the sea are always awake to connect with you. Journeying through the life of a dark shy shark foetus it explores the sacredness of the kelp forests and its myriad life – and non-life forms.
Between the Tides – 10.00 minutes
A documentary about the conservation of endangered Loggerhead and Leatherback Turtles in South Africa. We meet 5 influential people who dedicate their lives to the conservation of this 120 million year-old species.
Beyond the Fence 11.32 minutes
Set in rural South Africa, Queen, Rifumo and Wisani emerge as three young eco-warriors. The film follows how a course in wildlife photography changes their lives. Armed with a camera, the trio aim to rise above their difficult pasts and “reframe” the narrative of wildlife conservation.
Beyond the Headlines 11.26minutes
In South Africa, one of the biggest threats to our natural spaces and wildlife, is mining. The iSimangaliso Wetland Park and the town of St Lucia, live under the constant threat of mining, because of the rich titanium deposits found on the dunes and shores of their beaches.
Epic Encounters – 8.32 minutes
This piece hopes to dispel myths about snakes by creating a film that not only entertains audiences but also educates about the vital role snakes play as part of the eco-system was a privilege for Durban filmmaker Jessica Singh. Follow her as she witnesses snakes being rescued by snake handler Jason’s Arnold.
Gorgongosa 9.47minutes
This film documents the journey of 12 young Mozambican students studying towards a Masters in Conservation Biology at Gorongosa National Park in Mozambique. This is the only masters programme in the world, conducted inside of a national park.
Hluleka – 9.20 minutes
Hluleka is a marine conservation themed nature documentary that aims to encourage community engagement in decision-making. The story focuses on South Africa’s smallest marine protected area, Hluleka.
Pango – 8.47 minutes
When a young pangolin is rescued from the illegal trade by caretaker, Anna Sheehama, they must work together to get Pango strong enough to survive.
Part of the Pack – 9.20 minutes
A short conservation documentary that focuses on an endangered species – the African Wild Dog. This film highlights the organisations dedicated to making a difference for this species as well as the challenges and life threatening situations that African Wild Dogs have to face on a daily basis.
Phemula (Breathe) – 10.00 minutes and Phemula BTScenes – 16.00 minutes
A NEWF Lab Film, Phefumla follows Loyiso Dunga, a marine scientist from one of South Africa’s most infamous townships. He must realize his dream of diving deep into the oceans vastness.
Rise from the Cape Flats – 9.45 minutes
A story of a young man who has found peace in the beauty of the ocean through one experience. Despite his surroundings and the challenges faced daily in one of South Africa’s most infamous dangerous areas, he now tries to bring about positive change.
Saving Dragons – 8.00 minutes
Reptiles are the most traded group of animals in the world, and unlike rhinos, elephants and pangolins – they are traded alive and whole, destined for life as pets. Poaching of wild reptiles for the pet trade has led to severe population declines, yet little is known about how poachers operate, and how animals leave their country of origin. The illegal reptile trade in South Africa is investigated by biologist and filmmaker Shivan Parusnath.
Seekings Giants – 10.45 minutes
Writer Fidel Tshivhasa was born in Limpopo but throughout his life has had a fascination with the ocean giants, the Humpback Whale. He finally has an opportunity to explore this mystical yearning when he travels along the coastline in Durban to witness the migration of the Humpback Whales
The River Gives – 9.32 minutes
The River Gives tells the story of a group of township youth from Imbali and Ashdown in Edendale, Pietermaritzburg. They are the EnviroChamps, a group who have become the unlikely protectors of the wetlands and rivers in their community.
Ulwandle Lushile – 9.53 minutes
The story about the unheard voices of traditional marine fishers. On the doorstep of iSimangaliso Wetland Park – a nature lover’s wonderland that attracts tourists from all over the world – are the homes of the poorest and most marginalised coastal communities who have a high dependency on natural resources for survival.
Whisperers of the Delta
Info to come.
WILD WOMEN SERIES
About 10 powerful women in conservation science and media from South Africa, Nigeria, Tanzania, Mozambique, Rwanda, Zambia and Kenya were selected for the NEWF Wild Women Media Lab.
Bo Bossa: Waste Collector- South Africa 3.33minutes
A film about informal recycling and how it has become a source of living for many, particularly the homeless in Pretoria.
Fighting Rabies – Zambia 3.47 minutes
A young veterinary student shows concern about a disease affecting pets in her community.
Hurt by Science – South Africa 5.7 minutes
This film is in response to Professor Nicoli Nattrass’ (from the University of Cape Town) publication, which is deemed to be controversial, offensive and poor-scient that made stereotypic conclusions about Black South African students at the institution. Four black students review the findings and plausibility of the article.
Illotorok – Tanzania 3.38 minutes
Illotorok meaning “bees” is a film about the shift in perspective of bees by the Maasai, showing how bees are now used for honey and conservation in the Maasai community.
Invasion – Kenya 3.34 minutes
Invasion is a short film about how development within a protected area brings about invasive species, which have a negative effect on the ecosystem in Nairobi National Park.
My Guardian of the Night – Rwanda 2.43 minutes
A film about a biologist in Rwanda who shares her love for bats and the positive impact they have on the environment. With the help of Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Association she has researched them and calls them her “Guardians of the Night”.
Save the Pangolin – Mozambique 3.15 minutes
Daily, several pangolins are trafficked by humans, a practice that brings the species close to extinction. This film showcases some of the work done at the Pangolin Rehabilitation Center at Gorongosa National Park.
When the Forest goes Silent – Nigeria 3.51minutes
This microfilm is an audioscape of the consequences of ‘systemic’ deforestation. The film combines sound and visuals with poetic elements to draw attention to the negative impacts of human encroachment into forest landscapes in our day to day lives.
Wozani – South Africa 3.46 minutes
This film sets out to research how the youth adjacent to protected areas in KwaZulu-Natal relate and view having a protected area next to their community.
What: 2020 Nature, Environment & Wildlife Filmmakers NEWF Congress
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