Wildlife filmmaking

Paula Kahumbu is a Kenyan conservationist and wildlife filmmaker who is changing the narrative of wildlife film making in Africa. Through her own series Wildlife Warriors, training and capacity building, and by presenting series like Secrets of the Elephants for Nat Geo and Disney, she is promoting a new perspective on wildlife and conservation that focuses on empowering local communities.

Her Impact film making courses in Kenya attract stduents from around the world

Kahumbu has been a leading voice in conservation for over 20 years. She is the CEO of WildlifeDirect, an organization that uses film and social media to raise awareness and funds for conservation and conservation education efforts. She has also produced her own series, such as Wildlife Warriors and NTV Wild, which showcase African wildlife and conservation efforts.

Kahumbu's work is unique in that it focuses on giving a voice to local communities and empowering them to take ownership of conservation efforts. She believes that it is important to involve local communities in the conservation process, as they are often the ones most affected by wildlife conflict and habitat destruction.

Films, books and field trips are part of her conservation educational program

Through her work, Kahumbu has also been promoting wildlife film making as a career for young Africans. She has been training and mentoring young people in film making and production, and has helped many to get started in the industry. She partners with local and global giants like NTV, Citizen TV, Nat Geo, BBC Natural History Unit, Wild Star Academy, Silverback Productions, and many others through a network of collaborators called "Films For African Wildlife" which meets virtually, brainstorms and shares ideas and opportunities.

One of Kahumbu's most recent projects include Team Sayari, a childrens series involivng children from 5 African countries, and, Secrets of the Elephants, a series that premiered on Nat Geo and Disney in 2021. The series explores the lives of elephants in Africa and Asia and highlights the efforts to protect these majestic creatures.

By changing the narrative in wildlife film making and promoting the involvement of local communities, Paula Kahumbu is helping to create a more sustainable and equitable future for African wildlife. Her work is an inspiration to many, and a reminder that everyone can play a role in conservation and preserving the natural world for generations to come.

To find out more, join the community or to get involved please visit our website WildlifeDirect.org or email info@wildlifedirect.org and put INTEREST IN FILM MAKING in the subject line.