Wildscreen Festival Nairobi has announced an exciting lineup of speakers and sessions for its inaugural African festival in partnership with BBC.
This highly anticipated event will take place at Alliance Française from 30th June to 1st July 2023. Prominent figures in African natural world storytelling and conservation will be brought together as well as global industry players.
With over 30 speakers, 14 sessions, and captivating film screenings, the attendees are promised asession where they will be able to network. One of the highlights that will be showcased includes the Kenyan premiere of the Disney+ and National Geographic series ‘Secrets of the Elephants’.
It will be featuring exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences from esteemed Conservationist and Presenter Dr. Paula Kahumbu, Director of Photography Andreas Knausenberger, and Sound Recordist Edna Bonareri.
Throughout the program, those in attendance will get insights on various aspects of the wildlife film and TV industry, ranging from careers and funding to production, cinematography, and impact.
Distinguished guests include representatives from Royal Media Services, Safaricom, Disney, BBC, BBC Studios Natural History Unit, Wildstar Films, and Silverback Films.
Key sessions will delve into topics such as Conservation Storytelling in Africa, with a panel of Kenyan conservation experts, and a conversation between Oscar-winning documentary filmmaker Kartiki Gonsalves and Dr. Paula Kahumbu about their Academy Award-winning documentary, ‘The Elephant Whisperers’.
“Kenya is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, wildlife and iconic destinations which offer a wealth of opportunities for filmmakers. The Wildscreen Festival is a launchpad for accelerating the wildlife filmmaking industry in Africa which will positively impact our economies and nature conservation.”
CEO at WildlifeDirect, Dr.Paula Kahumbu.
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Moreover, Wildscreen Festival Nairobi will host Wild Pitch event that is supported by National Geographic. During this pitch, six Kenyan filmmakers will present their nature-focused film ideas to a panel of commissioners, with the chance to win a cash prize of up to $10,000.
“This is an exciting venture and one that is borne out of true collaboration to showcase the groundbreaking stories and storytellers from across the continent. The talent pool is rich and we hope to help strengthen Kenya’s already high standing as the leading wildlife filming destination in Africa. The opportunities for our industry are unreal to unlock careers as well as creativity and collectively support Africa’s wildlife storytelling economy.”
Lucie Muir, CEO of Wildscreen, said
The festival will also offer a Cinematography Masterclass, a Creative Pathways panel that has successful Kenyan filmmakers making waves in the international industry, and an impact panel featuring influential individuals from organizations such as AFRISOS, WildlifeDirect, and The Elephant Queen.
“We are incredibly excited to be Headline Sponsor of Wildscreen Nairobi which will celebrate and recognise the hugely significant role of African storytellers in the world of wildlife filmmaking. This unique collaboration will bring together programme makers from across the African continent with the wider production community like never before, creating a forum to share learnings, explore new opportunities and to network.”
Jonny Keeling, Head of BBC Studios Natural History Unit
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