The Jackson Wild Media Lab (JWML) is an immersive, cross-disciplinary science filmmaking workshop that brings scientists and media creators together to learn from leaders in the profession and work together to develop effective tools to communicate about science, nature and conservation with diverse audiences across the world’s evolving media platforms. For nine days, Media Lab fellows will work side-by-side with instructors and industry-leading mentors to gain intensive hands-on film making experience, learn the science of science communication, get a crash course using professional-grade tools and equipment and expand professional networks with peers and industry professionals.
The Jackson Wild Media Lab is a collaboration between Day’s Edge Productions and HHMI Tangled Bank Studios, a proud sponsor of Jackson Wild Summit. The Jackson Wild Media Lab South Africa has been made possible with support from HHMI Tangled Bank Studios, National Geographic Society and The National Film and Video Foundation.
The Jackson Wild Media Lab is a collaboration between Day’s Edge Productions and HHMI Tangled Bank Studios, a proud sponsor of Jackson Wild Summit. The Jackson Wild Media Lab South Africa has been made possible with support from HHMI Tangled Bank Studios, National Geographic Society and The National Film and Video Foundation.
MEET THE NEWF FELLOWS

Ambrose Letoluai
I am a Kenyan leopard researcher and conservation enthusiast currently completing my bachelor’s degree in Environment and Natural Resources. Most recognized for my work on the Black Leopard in Laikipia county, I have recently been selected as a 2021 National Geographic Big Cats Explorer. I am particularly proud to have been featured as an African conservation hero in Paula Kahumbu’s Wildlife Warrior’s Season 1. As the co-founder of ‘Chui Mamas’, we support the training and development of local Samburu women, seeking alternative sustainable livelihoods, and one of the founding directors of the Wildlife Conservation Resource Centre, which proudly houses the only Wildlife conservation library in Northern Kenya. I am eager to inspire and capacitate young children and local warriors to protect our wildlife through the power of storytelling.
I am a Kenyan leopard researcher and conservation enthusiast currently completing my bachelor’s degree in Environment and Natural Resources. Most recognized for my work on the Black Leopard in Laikipia county, I have recently been selected as a 2021 National Geographic Big Cats Explorer. I am particularly proud to have been featured as an African conservation hero in Paula Kahumbu’s Wildlife Warrior’s Season 1. As the co-founder of ‘Chui Mamas’, we support the training and development of local Samburu women, seeking alternative sustainable livelihoods, and one of the founding directors of the Wildlife Conservation Resource Centre, which proudly houses the only Wildlife conservation library in Northern Kenya. I am eager to inspire and capacitate young children and local warriors to protect our wildlife through the power of storytelling.

Nonhle Mngadi
I am a South African Social Ecologist with a passion for
people and a drive to effect societal change. My Masters
research is aimed at the management of the socio-economic
challenges of South Africans in rural areas, impacted by the
science and policies of conservation and the interrelation
between people and natural resources. I believe that the abundance of the natural resources at our disposal is the bedrock of human wellbeing and working at Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, I aim to foster an environment that ensures that natural areas contribute towards the livelihoods of our local people. It is vital that we encourage and protect a harmonious and symbiotic relationship between people and place.
I am a South African Social Ecologist with a passion for
people and a drive to effect societal change. My Masters
research is aimed at the management of the socio-economic
challenges of South Africans in rural areas, impacted by the
science and policies of conservation and the interrelation
between people and natural resources. I believe that the abundance of the natural resources at our disposal is the bedrock of human wellbeing and working at Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, I aim to foster an environment that ensures that natural areas contribute towards the livelihoods of our local people. It is vital that we encourage and protect a harmonious and symbiotic relationship between people and place.

Mainala Silondwa
Growing up in Zambia, since I was a little girl I’ve had a passion for wildlife and storytelling. After completing a video production and digital storytelling course in Cape Town South Africa, I was selected for the flagship Multichoice Talent Factory program. Graduating at the top of my class I was awarded a Directing workshop at the New York Film Academy in 2020. My training and experience include scriptwriting, producing, directing, cinematography and editing. I am a content producer, director and editor for Zambia’s first and only 24-hour news and documentary station, passionate about decolonizing conservation and amplifying African voices telling our own stories.
Growing up in Zambia, since I was a little girl I’ve had a passion for wildlife and storytelling. After completing a video production and digital storytelling course in Cape Town South Africa, I was selected for the flagship Multichoice Talent Factory program. Graduating at the top of my class I was awarded a Directing workshop at the New York Film Academy in 2020. My training and experience include scriptwriting, producing, directing, cinematography and editing. I am a content producer, director and editor for Zambia’s first and only 24-hour news and documentary station, passionate about decolonizing conservation and amplifying African voices telling our own stories.

Sandile Ntuli
As a MSc Marine Biology candidate from South Africa with a passion for conservation, my research is aimed at understanding how corals reefs are adapting to climate
change, as well as the maintaining of balance in vital ocean ecosystems through a shark and ray research focused on the protection of these predators. My experience in conservation has shown me how disconnected and excluding this field can be to those it should serve. Most of our work as scientists and conservationists is only accessible via scientific publications and conferences. I am eager to use the power of storytelling to
ensure that my science bridges the gap, is accessible, engaging and helps connect people to their environments whilst informing and effecting policy change.
As a MSc Marine Biology candidate from South Africa with a passion for conservation, my research is aimed at understanding how corals reefs are adapting to climate
change, as well as the maintaining of balance in vital ocean ecosystems through a shark and ray research focused on the protection of these predators. My experience in conservation has shown me how disconnected and excluding this field can be to those it should serve. Most of our work as scientists and conservationists is only accessible via scientific publications and conferences. I am eager to use the power of storytelling to
ensure that my science bridges the gap, is accessible, engaging and helps connect people to their environments whilst informing and effecting policy change.