Multicultural Alliance Fellows
We are thrilled to partner with the National Multicultural Alliance for the second year of the Jackson Wild Multicultural Alliance Fellowship. This unique fellowship was created specifically for mid-career and established media professionals who may have not previously been plugged into the natural history and conservation filmmaking sectors, to attend the Jackson Wild Summit so that they may explore potential pathways into this branching industry. Stories and media have the incredible power of provoking emotion and changing behaviors. As climate change continues to escalate and challenge life on planet earth, the lines between different media sectors including documentary, human interest, science, conservation and social justice are blurring, and films and stories can span them all. The Jackson Wild Multicultural Alliance Fellowship is made possible by the generous support from PBS.
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Ann Bennett (Black Public Media)
Ann Bennett is an Emmy-nominated documentary-filmmaker, multimedia-producer, and teaching-artist who has devoted her career to telling diverse stories through film, television and interactive projects. She has produced documentaries for the PBS series 'American Experience', ‘Independent Lens’ and ‘America ReFramed’ many of which have premiered at the Sundance Film Festival including; “Through a Lens Darkly: Black Photographers and the Emergence of a People”, and the multiplatform community-engagement initiative ‘Digital-Diaspora-Family-Reunion’. Bennett is a graduate of Columbia Journalism School and Harvard College and she has won fellowships with the Sundance Producer Lab, Impact Partners, Laundromat Project and Culture Push’s Black Utopian Practice.
Ann Bennett is an Emmy-nominated documentary-filmmaker, multimedia-producer, and teaching-artist who has devoted her career to telling diverse stories through film, television and interactive projects. She has produced documentaries for the PBS series 'American Experience', ‘Independent Lens’ and ‘America ReFramed’ many of which have premiered at the Sundance Film Festival including; “Through a Lens Darkly: Black Photographers and the Emergence of a People”, and the multiplatform community-engagement initiative ‘Digital-Diaspora-Family-Reunion’. Bennett is a graduate of Columbia Journalism School and Harvard College and she has won fellowships with the Sundance Producer Lab, Impact Partners, Laundromat Project and Culture Push’s Black Utopian Practice.
Mark Decena (Center for Asian American Media)
Mark Decena is a writer, director and producer of feature films, shorts, television programming, and brand films. Mark's first feature, Dopamine won the Alfred P. Sloan Prize at Sundance. Decena's turn to documentary work spans across themes of social justice, sustainable design and the environment. Mark wrote and directed the Redford Center’s film, Watershed, a one-hour documentary on water use in the Colorado River Basin, executive produced and narrated by Robert Redford. He was also a writer and producer on Stand Up Planet, a Gates Foundation project looking at global development issues through the lens of stand up comedy. His latest feature film, Not Without Us, followed seven global grassroots activists to the United Nations climate talks in Paris. Two recent short films include Me & My Robot, an inside look at kids competing in the World Robot Olympiad, and Remothering the Land, a co-production with Patagonia films, on the Indigenous origins of regenerative agriculture. Decena’s films have screened in film festivals worldwide and now stream on various digital platforms. Mark is also the founder of Kontent, a boutique production company based in San Francisco. His current feature film, Farming While Black, wrapped principal photography in June 2022, and seeks finishing funds.
Mark Decena is a writer, director and producer of feature films, shorts, television programming, and brand films. Mark's first feature, Dopamine won the Alfred P. Sloan Prize at Sundance. Decena's turn to documentary work spans across themes of social justice, sustainable design and the environment. Mark wrote and directed the Redford Center’s film, Watershed, a one-hour documentary on water use in the Colorado River Basin, executive produced and narrated by Robert Redford. He was also a writer and producer on Stand Up Planet, a Gates Foundation project looking at global development issues through the lens of stand up comedy. His latest feature film, Not Without Us, followed seven global grassroots activists to the United Nations climate talks in Paris. Two recent short films include Me & My Robot, an inside look at kids competing in the World Robot Olympiad, and Remothering the Land, a co-production with Patagonia films, on the Indigenous origins of regenerative agriculture. Decena’s films have screened in film festivals worldwide and now stream on various digital platforms. Mark is also the founder of Kontent, a boutique production company based in San Francisco. His current feature film, Farming While Black, wrapped principal photography in June 2022, and seeks finishing funds.
Cheryl Hirasa (Pacific Islanders in Communication)
Cheryl Hirasa is currently the Interim Executive Director for Pacific Islanders in Communications (PIC). In her role at PIC, Cheryl oversees the execution of the organizationʻs strategic plan and administration, and programmatic activities including programming, production, distribution, engagement and talent development. Cheryl is also the series producer for Pacific Heartbeat, PIC’s signature series on national public television. Previous to joining PIC, Cheryl worked at the Independent Television Service (ITVS) for nine years and was a Senior Production Manager overseeing the development and completion of over 150 productions for public television broadcast. She has more than 25 years of experience in the media and arts management industry, participated on many funding panels for various arts organizations and is a grants advisor for the Redford Center.
Cheryl Hirasa is currently the Interim Executive Director for Pacific Islanders in Communications (PIC). In her role at PIC, Cheryl oversees the execution of the organizationʻs strategic plan and administration, and programmatic activities including programming, production, distribution, engagement and talent development. Cheryl is also the series producer for Pacific Heartbeat, PIC’s signature series on national public television. Previous to joining PIC, Cheryl worked at the Independent Television Service (ITVS) for nine years and was a Senior Production Manager overseeing the development and completion of over 150 productions for public television broadcast. She has more than 25 years of experience in the media and arts management industry, participated on many funding panels for various arts organizations and is a grants advisor for the Redford Center.
Charine Gonzales (Vision Maker Media)
Charine Pilar Gonzales is a Tewa writer/director from San Ildefonso Pueblo + Santa Fe, New Mexico. She produces a wide range of films including: documentary, dramedy, and stop motion. She is the Lead Editor for Native Lens, a crowdsourced collaboration by Rocky Mountain PBS and KSUT Tribal Radio. She was a 2021 Sundance Institute Indigenous Program Native Lab Artist in Residence, a First Peoples Fund Artist in Business Leadership Fellow and a Jackson Wild Media Lab Fellow. Gonzales is currently a NAMA / LA Skins Fest TV Writers Lab Fellow. She is a recent graduate of the Institute of American Indian Arts, where she earned a BFA in Cinematic Arts and Technology. She’s an alumna of Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado, where she received a BA in English - Communication. She’s owner of the multimedia production company, Povi Studios. Her favorite foods are red chile stew, chicos, and oven bread.
Charine Pilar Gonzales is a Tewa writer/director from San Ildefonso Pueblo + Santa Fe, New Mexico. She produces a wide range of films including: documentary, dramedy, and stop motion. She is the Lead Editor for Native Lens, a crowdsourced collaboration by Rocky Mountain PBS and KSUT Tribal Radio. She was a 2021 Sundance Institute Indigenous Program Native Lab Artist in Residence, a First Peoples Fund Artist in Business Leadership Fellow and a Jackson Wild Media Lab Fellow. Gonzales is currently a NAMA / LA Skins Fest TV Writers Lab Fellow. She is a recent graduate of the Institute of American Indian Arts, where she earned a BFA in Cinematic Arts and Technology. She’s an alumna of Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado, where she received a BA in English - Communication. She’s owner of the multimedia production company, Povi Studios. Her favorite foods are red chile stew, chicos, and oven bread.
Summit Fellows
The Jackson Wild Summit Fellowship is a comprehensive program for storytellers to accelerate their project in development through a series of skill-building workshops, networking events, pitching opportunities and mentorship. Our selection committee was extremely impressed by the passion, expertise, and perspective shared by the over 200 applicants from around the world. The 18 Fellows selected will begin their journey virtually with a slate of workshops, gatherings and mentorship, and will culminate with an engaging lineup of exclusive skill-building and networking opportunities at the 31st annual Jackson Wild Summit in Burgenland, Austria.
The 2022 Jackson Wild Summit Fellowship would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. We are delighted to have your support!
The 2022 Jackson Wild Summit Fellowship would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. We are delighted to have your support!
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Ben Albert
Wisconsin, USA
(he/him)
Ben Albert is a 22-year-old freelance Cinematographer and Filmmaker. Growing up on a small farm in southern Wisconsin, Ben learned that nature is a beautiful, intricate system. Inspired by his childhood, his films explore the wonders of the natural world and our complex relationship with it. He recently interned at Compass Light Productions where he assisted in producing cultural documentaries from around the world. Ben is currently working on his first long-form documentary about a hidden wetland in his grandparent's backyard. The film uncovers the life, mysteries, and importance of these incredibly undervalued ecosystems. For more of Ben's work see: https://www.benalbertvisuals.com/
Wisconsin, USA
(he/him)
Ben Albert is a 22-year-old freelance Cinematographer and Filmmaker. Growing up on a small farm in southern Wisconsin, Ben learned that nature is a beautiful, intricate system. Inspired by his childhood, his films explore the wonders of the natural world and our complex relationship with it. He recently interned at Compass Light Productions where he assisted in producing cultural documentaries from around the world. Ben is currently working on his first long-form documentary about a hidden wetland in his grandparent's backyard. The film uncovers the life, mysteries, and importance of these incredibly undervalued ecosystems. For more of Ben's work see: https://www.benalbertvisuals.com/
Unai Canela
Barcelona, Spain
(he/him)
Unai Canela is a young filmmaker, storyteller, and environmental activist from Barcelona, Spain. He has participated in films and media as a director, narrator, cameraman, musician, and photographer. His work has been centered in endangered species and habitats (such as big cats, wolves, and local Spanish wildlife) all around the world. His main projects have been his first documentary as a director “ALONE IN THE MOUNTAINS” (2022), the film “PANTERAS” (2021), the TV show “ESPÍRITU SALVAJE” (2017), and the award-winning documentary “LOOKING FOR THE WILD” (2016).
Barcelona, Spain
(he/him)
Unai Canela is a young filmmaker, storyteller, and environmental activist from Barcelona, Spain. He has participated in films and media as a director, narrator, cameraman, musician, and photographer. His work has been centered in endangered species and habitats (such as big cats, wolves, and local Spanish wildlife) all around the world. His main projects have been his first documentary as a director “ALONE IN THE MOUNTAINS” (2022), the film “PANTERAS” (2021), the TV show “ESPÍRITU SALVAJE” (2017), and the award-winning documentary “LOOKING FOR THE WILD” (2016).
Alizé Carrère
Miami, USA
(she/her)
Alizé Carrère is a National Geographic Explorer, filmmaker, and PhD candidate researching and documenting human adaptations to environmental change. Carrère earned both her B.A. and M.Sc. from McGill University, where she conducted fieldwork in Panama, Cuba, Israel and Palestine on a range of human-environment interactions. After receiving a grant from National Geographic to study deforestation in Madagascar, her work evolved into a broader film project on human resilience and adaptation to environmental change. This work culminated in a four-part docuseries titled ADAPTATION, which was recently released on PBS. She brings her social science background and extensive field experience to her filmmaking, with the goal of documenting and elevating the human dimensions of climate change.
Miami, USA
(she/her)
Alizé Carrère is a National Geographic Explorer, filmmaker, and PhD candidate researching and documenting human adaptations to environmental change. Carrère earned both her B.A. and M.Sc. from McGill University, where she conducted fieldwork in Panama, Cuba, Israel and Palestine on a range of human-environment interactions. After receiving a grant from National Geographic to study deforestation in Madagascar, her work evolved into a broader film project on human resilience and adaptation to environmental change. This work culminated in a four-part docuseries titled ADAPTATION, which was recently released on PBS. She brings her social science background and extensive field experience to her filmmaking, with the goal of documenting and elevating the human dimensions of climate change.
Thalefang Charles
Gaborone, Botswana
(he/him)
Thalefang Charles is a photographer, writer, journalist, producer, storyteller, and arts lover, based in Gaborone, Botswana. He is the author of Botswana’s Top 50 Ultimate Experiences – a photographic coffee table guidebook about Botswana. After 16 years of illustrious career in journalism, he is now focusing on using the power of storytelling to help in the protection of the Okavango Delta. He is the Storytelling Manager for National Geographic Okavango Wilderness Project, which has been working with local communities; NGOs; and governments of Angola, Namibia, and Botswana to secure a permanent and sustainable protection for the greater Okavango River basin. He co-produced Guardian of the River podcast, Winner of 2021 Jackson Wild Media Award.
Gaborone, Botswana
(he/him)
Thalefang Charles is a photographer, writer, journalist, producer, storyteller, and arts lover, based in Gaborone, Botswana. He is the author of Botswana’s Top 50 Ultimate Experiences – a photographic coffee table guidebook about Botswana. After 16 years of illustrious career in journalism, he is now focusing on using the power of storytelling to help in the protection of the Okavango Delta. He is the Storytelling Manager for National Geographic Okavango Wilderness Project, which has been working with local communities; NGOs; and governments of Angola, Namibia, and Botswana to secure a permanent and sustainable protection for the greater Okavango River basin. He co-produced Guardian of the River podcast, Winner of 2021 Jackson Wild Media Award.
Lucía Flórez
Cusco, Peru
(she/her)
Lucia Florez is a documentary filmmaker with a decade of experience developing short films on social and environmental issues. She is a Fulbright scholar, obtaining a Masters in Documentary Filmmaking in New York and Los Angeles. Director of Paperthin (2018), and Mamá (2019). She received the Yvonne Hebert Award for UN Women and the Matthew Modine Master’s Scholarship. In 2021, she became a National Geographic Explorer and she directed her last documentary short film: Shirampari, Legacies of the River (2022).
Cusco, Peru
(she/her)
Lucia Florez is a documentary filmmaker with a decade of experience developing short films on social and environmental issues. She is a Fulbright scholar, obtaining a Masters in Documentary Filmmaking in New York and Los Angeles. Director of Paperthin (2018), and Mamá (2019). She received the Yvonne Hebert Award for UN Women and the Matthew Modine Master’s Scholarship. In 2021, she became a National Geographic Explorer and she directed her last documentary short film: Shirampari, Legacies of the River (2022).
Jigar Ganatra
Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
(he/him)
Jigar Ganatra is a Tanzanian filmmaker who specializes in creating ecophilosophical films. An adventurous polyglot and nomad who has filmed stories in a diversity of remote locations including in the Amazon Rainforest, the Himalayas and the Rift Valley, he yearns to connect deeply with people who expand his worldview. He is also the founder of African School Of Storytelling (AFRISOS), an NGO dedicated to giving all-expenses-paid learning opportunities to aspiring filmmakers and photographers in Africa.
Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
(he/him)
Jigar Ganatra is a Tanzanian filmmaker who specializes in creating ecophilosophical films. An adventurous polyglot and nomad who has filmed stories in a diversity of remote locations including in the Amazon Rainforest, the Himalayas and the Rift Valley, he yearns to connect deeply with people who expand his worldview. He is also the founder of African School Of Storytelling (AFRISOS), an NGO dedicated to giving all-expenses-paid learning opportunities to aspiring filmmakers and photographers in Africa.
Noel Guevara
Manila, Philippines
(he/him)
Noel Guevara is a conservation photographer and filmmaker based in Manila, Philippines. He is an Emerging League talent of the International League of Conservation Photographers (iLCP). Noel covers the Asia-Pacific region, collaborating with the world's top conservation groups and NGOs such as Greenpeace International, WWF, and The Coral Triangle Initiative. He has been honored in many international competitions such as the Sony World Photography Awards, DEEP Indonesia, and Nature Photography Awards. His work was published online by the BBC, National Geographic, CNN, The Guardian, and in magazines and broadsheets in Spain, Italy, The Netherlands, France, and Singapore.
Manila, Philippines
(he/him)
Noel Guevara is a conservation photographer and filmmaker based in Manila, Philippines. He is an Emerging League talent of the International League of Conservation Photographers (iLCP). Noel covers the Asia-Pacific region, collaborating with the world's top conservation groups and NGOs such as Greenpeace International, WWF, and The Coral Triangle Initiative. He has been honored in many international competitions such as the Sony World Photography Awards, DEEP Indonesia, and Nature Photography Awards. His work was published online by the BBC, National Geographic, CNN, The Guardian, and in magazines and broadsheets in Spain, Italy, The Netherlands, France, and Singapore.
Chiara Hollender
Vermont, USA
(she/her)
Chiara Hollender is an Iranian-American filmmaker and storyteller based in New England. Hollender's work is deeply empowered by the voices of women, and the beauty of land and nature as a whole. She seeks to disrupt the homogenization and colonization of women's bodies, and has been called to capture stories that focus on healing. In the documentary space, Chiara has produced work for Discovery+ and PBS. She's also worked for AMC Networks, Radical Media, SLMBR PRTY, Silent Crow Arts, in NYC. Chiara is the current recipient of the MFA Film and Media Art Fellowship at Emerson College.
Vermont, USA
(she/her)
Chiara Hollender is an Iranian-American filmmaker and storyteller based in New England. Hollender's work is deeply empowered by the voices of women, and the beauty of land and nature as a whole. She seeks to disrupt the homogenization and colonization of women's bodies, and has been called to capture stories that focus on healing. In the documentary space, Chiara has produced work for Discovery+ and PBS. She's also worked for AMC Networks, Radical Media, SLMBR PRTY, Silent Crow Arts, in NYC. Chiara is the current recipient of the MFA Film and Media Art Fellowship at Emerson College.
Tracy Keza
Rwanda
(she/her)
Tracy is a Rwandan filmmaker and documentary photographer who uses her work to explore notions of identity, culture, and conservation. With an academic background in Environmental Science from Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut, she hopes to use both storytelling and science to document wildlife stories that inspire the preservation of indigenous ecological knowledge in East Africa.
Rwanda
(she/her)
Tracy is a Rwandan filmmaker and documentary photographer who uses her work to explore notions of identity, culture, and conservation. With an academic background in Environmental Science from Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut, she hopes to use both storytelling and science to document wildlife stories that inspire the preservation of indigenous ecological knowledge in East Africa.
Roy Kimhi
Tel Aviv, Israel
(he/him)
Roy is an environmentalist, a documentary filmmaker, a submarine pilot, and an underwater specialist from Israel. Roy's work focuses on the intersection between impact, media, and the non-profit sector. He has been documenting international conservation stories since 2013 and has participated in various exploration projects such as National Geographic's "Pristine Seas," "PharmaMar," and others. His previous credits include directing and producing "The Great" (2017) – an award-winning VR film. Today he's working as an Independent Filmmaker and a VR Director at Amberjack Films (UK). He's leading a Climate Diplomacy program at a non-profit called EcoPeace Middle East and works as an Impact Producer at One Atmosphere (Israel).
Tel Aviv, Israel
(he/him)
Roy is an environmentalist, a documentary filmmaker, a submarine pilot, and an underwater specialist from Israel. Roy's work focuses on the intersection between impact, media, and the non-profit sector. He has been documenting international conservation stories since 2013 and has participated in various exploration projects such as National Geographic's "Pristine Seas," "PharmaMar," and others. His previous credits include directing and producing "The Great" (2017) – an award-winning VR film. Today he's working as an Independent Filmmaker and a VR Director at Amberjack Films (UK). He's leading a Climate Diplomacy program at a non-profit called EcoPeace Middle East and works as an Impact Producer at One Atmosphere (Israel).
Clement Kiragu
Nairobi, Kenya
(he/him)
Clement Kiragu is a National Geographic Explorer, an Artist, and a storyteller from Kenya. Since 2013 he has been documenting Africa, her wildlife and her people through the artforms of Photography and Cinematography. Clement's 2022 National Geographic grant has helped kickstart his journey to illuminate issues facing African Predators, such as loss of habitat and prey base, human-wildlife conflict, and climate change, among others, through Film. Clement believes education through the power of Photography and Film will play a vital role in bringing predators and African communities closer, promoting co-existence and inspiring pride & ownership of our natural heritage. He has two short films in development and is looking to work with partners in the film industry to explore his artistic skills and in-depth knowledge of animal behaviour to create impactful wildlife films. He hopes to be part of making films that will bring a change of mindset that can give wildlife and nature a fighting chance. You can view his work on this link: www.clementwild.com
Nairobi, Kenya
(he/him)
Clement Kiragu is a National Geographic Explorer, an Artist, and a storyteller from Kenya. Since 2013 he has been documenting Africa, her wildlife and her people through the artforms of Photography and Cinematography. Clement's 2022 National Geographic grant has helped kickstart his journey to illuminate issues facing African Predators, such as loss of habitat and prey base, human-wildlife conflict, and climate change, among others, through Film. Clement believes education through the power of Photography and Film will play a vital role in bringing predators and African communities closer, promoting co-existence and inspiring pride & ownership of our natural heritage. He has two short films in development and is looking to work with partners in the film industry to explore his artistic skills and in-depth knowledge of animal behaviour to create impactful wildlife films. He hopes to be part of making films that will bring a change of mindset that can give wildlife and nature a fighting chance. You can view his work on this link: www.clementwild.com
Ángel Linares
Venezuela
(he/him)
Venezuelan documentary filmmaker. Film & TV Producer and Director graduated from the National School of Film Arts at National Autonomous University of Mexico (CUEC-UNAM). Nominated for the Ariel Award and awarded for best documentary short film at Morelia International Film Festival among other national and international awards. His documentaries have been screened at the Semaine de la Critique of the Cannes Festival, the Sarajevo Film Festival and the Havana Festival. Selected in the Pathways Mentorship Program for young producers of non-fiction content at the Realscreen Summit 2021 and the Emerging Content Creator Initiative of the NALIP.
Venezuela
(he/him)
Venezuelan documentary filmmaker. Film & TV Producer and Director graduated from the National School of Film Arts at National Autonomous University of Mexico (CUEC-UNAM). Nominated for the Ariel Award and awarded for best documentary short film at Morelia International Film Festival among other national and international awards. His documentaries have been screened at the Semaine de la Critique of the Cannes Festival, the Sarajevo Film Festival and the Havana Festival. Selected in the Pathways Mentorship Program for young producers of non-fiction content at the Realscreen Summit 2021 and the Emerging Content Creator Initiative of the NALIP.
Mogamat Shamier Magmoet
Cape Town, South Africa
(he/him)
Mogamat Shamier Magmoest is a NEWF Fellow living in the heart of the Cape Flats in Cape Town, South Africa. After recently discovering the ocean, at the age of 33, he now does everything in his power to advocate for positive change within his community and country, through education, and providing youth the chance to experience and access the ocean, becoming advocates and protectors thereof. He is a freediver, scube diver, and filmmaker with two films and two new films currently in development.
Cape Town, South Africa
(he/him)
Mogamat Shamier Magmoest is a NEWF Fellow living in the heart of the Cape Flats in Cape Town, South Africa. After recently discovering the ocean, at the age of 33, he now does everything in his power to advocate for positive change within his community and country, through education, and providing youth the chance to experience and access the ocean, becoming advocates and protectors thereof. He is a freediver, scube diver, and filmmaker with two films and two new films currently in development.
Prakash Matada
Bangalore, India
(he/him)
Prakash Matada is a National Geographic Explorer, Wildlife Cameraman and Filmmaker. He has channeled his childhood obsession with wildlife into filmmaking and strives to craft stories that tug at the heartstrings of people from all walks of life and evoke an unflinching love for the natural world. His recent film “Flying Elephants” which focuses on Asiatic elephant threats was awarded at Jackson Wild and Wildscreen. He shares his time between creating films for non-profit organizations that support wildlife conservation projects, and doing camerawork for broadcasters such as the BBC, Apple TV, Discovery and National Geographic.
Bangalore, India
(he/him)
Prakash Matada is a National Geographic Explorer, Wildlife Cameraman and Filmmaker. He has channeled his childhood obsession with wildlife into filmmaking and strives to craft stories that tug at the heartstrings of people from all walks of life and evoke an unflinching love for the natural world. His recent film “Flying Elephants” which focuses on Asiatic elephant threats was awarded at Jackson Wild and Wildscreen. He shares his time between creating films for non-profit organizations that support wildlife conservation projects, and doing camerawork for broadcasters such as the BBC, Apple TV, Discovery and National Geographic.
Peter Ndung'u
Nairobi, Kenya
(he/him)
Peter Ndung’u is an award winning visual storyteller from Nairobi, Kenya with a passion for documenting and sharing nature, wildlife and people stories using photography and film as his preferred mediums. His journey has seen him document stories and work across Africa for 6 years. His work has also been featured on global platforms and publications such as CNN, QZ and National Geographic in addition to being exhibited on several occasions. Peter’s work focuses largely on travel, documentary and lifestyle content which he often showcases on his online platforms. His goal is to ultimately get people to learn more about nature, wildlife and culture while getting people to travel and get involved in actively conserving the beauty that Africa has to offer.
Nairobi, Kenya
(he/him)
Peter Ndung’u is an award winning visual storyteller from Nairobi, Kenya with a passion for documenting and sharing nature, wildlife and people stories using photography and film as his preferred mediums. His journey has seen him document stories and work across Africa for 6 years. His work has also been featured on global platforms and publications such as CNN, QZ and National Geographic in addition to being exhibited on several occasions. Peter’s work focuses largely on travel, documentary and lifestyle content which he often showcases on his online platforms. His goal is to ultimately get people to learn more about nature, wildlife and culture while getting people to travel and get involved in actively conserving the beauty that Africa has to offer.
Sabine M. Probst
Steiermark, Austria
(she/her)
Sabine M. Probst is an award-winning documentary filmmaker, focusing her work on environmental issues, and the conservation of our wildlife and planet, especially underwater. Since her undergraduate studies, she has told stories through film about people’s connections to nature and their way to conserve and protect it on different continents. During her research for films, and work with scientists, she has seen the need for easier communication of scientific findings to the broader public. With this information, she set out to write her post-graduate degree thesis about How To Use Documentary Films For Ocean Conservation, a guide for marine biologists and ocean conservationists on how to use video as a successful communication tool. To take this idea further Sabine co-founded Seen Blue Conservation Organisation, where she and her team create documentary films and short-form video content to inform the public about our waters as well as to teach others how to do the same.
Steiermark, Austria
(she/her)
Sabine M. Probst is an award-winning documentary filmmaker, focusing her work on environmental issues, and the conservation of our wildlife and planet, especially underwater. Since her undergraduate studies, she has told stories through film about people’s connections to nature and their way to conserve and protect it on different continents. During her research for films, and work with scientists, she has seen the need for easier communication of scientific findings to the broader public. With this information, she set out to write her post-graduate degree thesis about How To Use Documentary Films For Ocean Conservation, a guide for marine biologists and ocean conservationists on how to use video as a successful communication tool. To take this idea further Sabine co-founded Seen Blue Conservation Organisation, where she and her team create documentary films and short-form video content to inform the public about our waters as well as to teach others how to do the same.
Erica Rugabandana
Arusha, Tanzania
(she/her)
Erica Rugabandana is a wildlife cinematographer from Tanzania, with a background in wildlife conservation and community development. She believes in the power of film to tell stories about wildlife and their interaction with people. Stories that create awareness, impart knowledge and lead to positive behavior changes among individuals and communities. She has participated in shoots with Wildstar Films, Plimsoll Productions, and is currently working on her own film project about lion conservation with Curiosity Stream. For three years now, her film career has received a major boost under the mentorship of wildlife cinematographer Justine Evans of Wildstar Films and Producer Jacqueline Farmer of Saint Thomas Productions. As well as working on her own projects, she would like to work with foreign production companies as camera talent sharing her specialist knowledge of Tanzanian wildlife. She would also like to teach what she has learned to other young Tanzanian film makers and cinematographers.
Arusha, Tanzania
(she/her)
Erica Rugabandana is a wildlife cinematographer from Tanzania, with a background in wildlife conservation and community development. She believes in the power of film to tell stories about wildlife and their interaction with people. Stories that create awareness, impart knowledge and lead to positive behavior changes among individuals and communities. She has participated in shoots with Wildstar Films, Plimsoll Productions, and is currently working on her own film project about lion conservation with Curiosity Stream. For three years now, her film career has received a major boost under the mentorship of wildlife cinematographer Justine Evans of Wildstar Films and Producer Jacqueline Farmer of Saint Thomas Productions. As well as working on her own projects, she would like to work with foreign production companies as camera talent sharing her specialist knowledge of Tanzanian wildlife. She would also like to teach what she has learned to other young Tanzanian film makers and cinematographers.
Gabriela Tejeda
Florida, USA
(she/her)
Gabriela is an environmentalist, photographer, and immersive experience designer. She earned her B.A. in Biology and English from Boston College, where she also spent time studying in Australia and Latin America. During a storytelling externship with National Geographic and The Nature Conservancy, her project “Fire & Water: An Ecological Love Story” which explores the relationship of fire and water in the Everglades was selected for Outstanding Completion and awarded Seed Project funding. She is currently collaborating with Zoo Miami and Everglades National Park to turn her story into an immersive augmented reality experience that engages diverse audiences with the conservation of threatened South Florida ecosystems. Her experience working for organizations like Australia’s Zoos Victoria, the New England Aquarium, and The Nature Conservancy have inspired her to find creative ways to connect people with the stories of our planet.
Florida, USA
(she/her)
Gabriela is an environmentalist, photographer, and immersive experience designer. She earned her B.A. in Biology and English from Boston College, where she also spent time studying in Australia and Latin America. During a storytelling externship with National Geographic and The Nature Conservancy, her project “Fire & Water: An Ecological Love Story” which explores the relationship of fire and water in the Everglades was selected for Outstanding Completion and awarded Seed Project funding. She is currently collaborating with Zoo Miami and Everglades National Park to turn her story into an immersive augmented reality experience that engages diverse audiences with the conservation of threatened South Florida ecosystems. Her experience working for organizations like Australia’s Zoos Victoria, the New England Aquarium, and The Nature Conservancy have inspired her to find creative ways to connect people with the stories of our planet.
