What if your wish came true?
As we celebrate Ocean Month, it has been amazing to reflect on all the ocean stories held within the NEWF Community. And as we reflect, so do the 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, one that started last year and has gained incredible momentum, she shares her win at the Cameroon International Film Festival (CAMIFF) - shining light her film, and new energy to tackle the next season of her journey as a filmmaker.
I reflect on a journey that began eight months ago—a journey that has forever changed my perspective. Beyond our shorelines lies a vast, unexplored world, a world that inspired the creation of the documentary series Ocean Stories. It is with great pride that I share the news that as we embrace Ocean Month, our inaugural episode ‘Promise’s Wish,’ has been honoured with the Best Documentary Award at the Cameroon International Film Festival - CAMIFF. This episode unveils the heartfelt aspiration of a young girl from Sodwana Bay, who dreams of experiencing the ocean’s wonders within her own community.
This accolade reaffirms the belief that our continent’s waters harbour countless untold stories, stories that deserve to be shared by us, for us. Thanks to a partnership between the African Marine Mammal Conservation Organisation and Nature, Environment & Wildlife Filmmakers Dive Lab programs, I have achieved certification as an open water diver. Diving is akin to flying through the skies, and the sheer awe of this experience is something I yearn for everyone to understand through Ocean Stories. You too can ‘fly’ as far as your dreams take you, exploring a world that eagerly awaits your discovery.
Photo by Chisomo Kawaga/NEWF
In celebration of World Oceans Day, Ashunganya has organised a community screening of Ocean Stories which will be held after World Oceans Day on the 21st of June 2024 at Checkpoint Buea, Cameroon.
The purpose of this event is to raise awareness about the importance of the ocean and its conservation. We will be screening two episodes of the ‘Ocean Stories’ documentary series, as well as an ocean film. These films will showcase the beauty and diversity of the ocean, as well as the threats that it faces.
As NEWF’s World Oceans Day Campaign comes to an end, it is certainly not the end of sharing the inspiring ocean stories from the NEWF community. We look forward to unpacking more of Ashunganya’s journey as her training and storytelling journey progresses and connects with those of fellows who share her passion for using film as a medium for ocean advocacy.
