South African Group Aims to Diversify Wildlife Filmmaking

Pragna Parsotam-Kok and Noel Kok established the Nature Environment and Wildlife Conservation Trust (NEWF) to address the underrepresentation of African filmmakers in wildlife documentary production. The initiative began after their experience filming a South African TV series in 2015, where they encountered difficulties accessing wildlife and observed a scarcity of local documentary makers.

In response to these challenges, Parsotam-Kok and Kok launched NEWF as a not-for-profit organization. A key component of their strategy is the annual conference for African wildlife filmmakers, with the inaugural event held in 2017. This conference aims to foster a community and provide a platform for African voices in the industry.

The organization's efforts are supported by National Geographic explorers, highlighting the international recognition of their mission. The trust is actively working to change the narrative and production landscape of wildlife documentaries, emphasizing the need for diverse perspectives in storytelling about African wildlife.