What does the Africa you read about in the news look like? What comes to mind when you envision a group of divers exploring Africa’s kelp forests, restoring coral reefs or filming wildlife in warm and wild plains? What do filmmakers, innovative scientists and conservation heroes look like, sound like - and even dress like?
Our Story Arc is a collection of stories that amplify, detail, elude to, and openly and powerfully celebrate some of the barrier-breaking, compelling, complex, funny, hopeful, intricate, inspiring, passionate and hard-fought journeys of African storytellers, conservationists and scientists in the NEWF community - and far beyond.
In recognition of our collective agency - it is here that we celebrate the value of community-centric impact through warm, thought-provoking narratives that highlight the richly diverse cultures, multidisciplinary talent and Indigenous knowledge systems that play a significant role in the preservation of our wild spaces, species and the communities that coexist with them.
Glance through our lens and travel alongside these storytellers, innovators and explorers; the curious creatives, passionate peers, and radical agents of change refocusing the narratives of Africa through their work and lives.
RETURN AFRICA: The MAKULEKE YOUTH BIRDERS PROJECT
The central part of the park has always been my haven, with an almost guaranteed lion roar at night, if not a sighting, or perhaps it's just sentimental. However, it was only in 2021, after a series of strange coincidences (in hindsight), that I stumbled upon Pafuri Camp and experienced a sense of belonging, a sense of homecoming.
eKhaya TURNS ONE!
Last year, we shared our mission to build strong communities for NEWF fellows to grow and take up space. eKhaya has become a dynamic space to gather, learn, challenge, train, eat, and rest in community. #ChangingTheNarrative manifests as 250+ African storytellers, scientists, researchers, and conservationists bringing diverse perspectives, ideas, and dreams to life.
From Botswana to India: IMMERSING IN GREEN STORIES
Nothing could have prepared me for its unique rhythm, cultural diversity, and beautiful stories. I live for great stories—they inspire, challenge, and push me to grow as a storyteller. While working on my next film, I felt the need for critical perspective. Discovering NEWF’s Greenstories Pitch open call, I took the leap as an observer.
AFRIFF13: nature storytellers Shine on the Global Stage
The 13th Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) from 3 to 9 November 2024 in Lagos, Nigeria, opened with Michael W. Ndiomu’s HEADLESS. The event featured 150 films, masterclasses, and networking events. Themed ‘Indigenous to Global: Cultural Wealth to Global Prosperity, it underscored Nollywood’s authenticity and global impact.
What if your wish came true?
As we celebrate Ocean Month, it has been amazing to reflect on all the ocean stories in the NEWF Community. And as we reflect, so too do our fellows. Observing Ashunganya Nchafac Nkemlemo Precious’ journey with the ocean and storytelling has been a beautiful example of why NEWF does what it does. Briefly reflecting on her journey, she shares her win at CAMIFF.
How does Virtual Reality contribute to real life impact?
When award-winning marine scientist and Mandela Washington Fellow Nancy Iraba joined the 2021 Decade Divemaster Storytelling Lab she could barely swim. Passionate about ocean access and science communication, she has a gift for turning barriers into opportunities.
If we trusted our bodies, how far could we go?
African representation (throughout the diaspora) has been recolouring the recreational and professional dive industries. So, what happens when you’ve been diving for ten (10) years - would being called an athlete feel out-of-body? NEWF fellow Megan-Rose grapples with this very reality as we speak.
What does the Africa you dream of look like?
Dr.Aristide Takoukam Kamla and eight (8) prospective open water SCUBA divers from Cameroon, Ghana and Senegal were welcomed to eKhaya Storytelling, Research and Dive Centre in Sodwana Bay. Straight off accepting a highly acclaimed Whitley Award for Nature, he shares how a small Weevil helped Lake Ossa breathe again.
In Retrospect: #NEWF2024 Fellows Summit and Congress
#NEWF2024 is a whirlwind that starts our community's year and sets it on a busy course to bring ideas to life and keep the momentum created through networking, inspired dialogue and interactive learning at large. But this year was different. Word on the street is that it was our best yet - with more impact on the horizon.
eKhaya: We are HOME
Our mission has always been to create strong communities for storytellers, conservationists, and scientists to help each other grow and take up space. At NEWF, we have watched this community grow from one group of fellows pitching their films in 2017, to more than 200 fellows from more than 25 African countries. If only these walls could talk!