Film Info5 minutes
Black Bean Productions, United for Wildlife, Ol Pejeta Conservancy Available for Free screenings only Synopsis: Rangers: the unsung heroes of conservation. In this film, we meet a plethora of different Rangers: the guards of Sudan, rangers in the field and antipoaching squads. This film explores their stories: What is the daily experience of a Ranger? Why did they become rangers? What challenges do they face? It hopes to shed light on the good work they do and give them the exposure they deserve. |
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Filmmaker Q&A
Answered by Producer Sam Suter
There are only three northern white rhinos left in the world – Sudan (the last male northern white rhino at 43 years old), Najin (Sudan’s daughter at 27 years old) and Fatu (Najin’s daughter at 16 years old). They all were raised in a zoo in the Czech Republic and were brought to Ol Pejeta in 2009 in the hopes that they would breed in a more natural environment. Sadly all attempts at breeding have been unsuccessful thus far and Ol Pejeta, alongside other individuals and organisations are working hard to attempt to use IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) technology to save this subspecies from extinction. Our hope is that this will be successful and we can one day have a steady population of these magnificent rhino again.
It also meant that the amount of time we had with the rhino’s was very limited so we had to maiximise the few hours we had on a daily basis, to tell the whole story, which is never easy. You are also dealing with an animal that can be very unpredictabale on its day so one would always have to listen to the rhino caretakers and follow their lead.
To tell that story you need to identify key characters and key themes and then build an emotive story line around those factors that will captivate the audience.
As with all film making planning is key as a well planned production will go a long way to accomplishing a strong narrative. So know who your key characters are and know what your message is that you are trying to convey. Working with wild life and endagered species, we are very sensitive when filming and always aim to document people and nature in a geniun way, connecting with our subjects, ensuring depth to our video product.
- What inspired the story?
There are only three northern white rhinos left in the world – Sudan (the last male northern white rhino at 43 years old), Najin (Sudan’s daughter at 27 years old) and Fatu (Najin’s daughter at 16 years old). They all were raised in a zoo in the Czech Republic and were brought to Ol Pejeta in 2009 in the hopes that they would breed in a more natural environment. Sadly all attempts at breeding have been unsuccessful thus far and Ol Pejeta, alongside other individuals and organisations are working hard to attempt to use IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) technology to save this subspecies from extinction. Our hope is that this will be successful and we can one day have a steady population of these magnificent rhino again.
- Describe some of the challenges faced while making this film.
It also meant that the amount of time we had with the rhino’s was very limited so we had to maiximise the few hours we had on a daily basis, to tell the whole story, which is never easy. You are also dealing with an animal that can be very unpredictabale on its day so one would always have to listen to the rhino caretakers and follow their lead.
- How do you approach story telling?
To tell that story you need to identify key characters and key themes and then build an emotive story line around those factors that will captivate the audience.
As with all film making planning is key as a well planned production will go a long way to accomplishing a strong narrative. So know who your key characters are and know what your message is that you are trying to convey. Working with wild life and endagered species, we are very sensitive when filming and always aim to document people and nature in a geniun way, connecting with our subjects, ensuring depth to our video product.
- What impact do you hope this film will have?
- Were there any surprising or meaningful experiences you want to share?