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.
HER | Story: Shaping and inspiring impact and storytelling across Africa
The women in the NEWF community are among many across the continent showing up as the leaders and change-makers we have needed in our time. As the climate crisis intensifies, intersectional social justice and impact movements rise to challenge the ways of the world - these women are advocating for a better future.
What if you could have a conversation with one of the worlds most renowned ocean storytellers?
In 2021 NEWF hosted the Decade Divemaster Storytellers Lab for 10 Indigenous African women. Training to be SCUBA Divemasters by day and delving into storytelling by night - they had a virtual session unpacking ocean storytelling with Brian Skerry.
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.
Did you know that Ghana’s coasts are home to Coral Reefs?
George Amado is a man on a mission to re-story Ghana’s coral reefs. A passionate teacher inspired by how life in the ocean and on land is connected, he teaches drowning prevention and plans on establishing a new dive industry in Ghana.
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.
What does freediving have to do with Ocean Access?
The largest Ocean Access Program for African Scientists, Conservationists and Storytellers, NEWF dive labs create opportunities for freediving certifications too. Recently, a cohort met in Sodwana Bay to calmly descend and ascend along a 10m buoy line, one breath at a time.
What role does documenting the past play in bringing stories about the African experience to life?
To build the future, we must look to the past. In a long-anticipated exchange between NEWF and DWP, we had the opportunity to welcome these divers who are part of the African diaspora, home.
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.