MEDIA KIT - Sisters of the Wilderness
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
MEDIA KIT
Sisters of the Wilderness Short Synopsis
When five young Zulu women venture into the wilderness, their lives Five young Zulu women go into the iMfolozi wilderness in KwaZulu-Natal,
change forever. South Africa, on a journey of self-discovery; and learn about the plight of
this primordial wilderness which is now severely threatened by an open-
Format: ......................................................... Feature Documentary cast coal mine on its border, and an intensifying rhino poaching calamity.
Genre: ............................................................ Women and Wild Nature
Country: ....................................................... South Africa
Duration: ..................................................... 90 minutes
Completed: ............................................... February 2018
Production Company: .................. One Nature Films
Medium Synopsis
Set in the iMfolozi wilderness, South Africa, in the oldest game park in
Africa, Sisters of the Wilderness tells the story of five young Zulu women
going into the wilderness for the first time in their lives on a journey of self-
discovery, which offers them an opportunity to grow and heal, and serves
as a reminder that we are intimately linked to nature and what we do to
her we do to ourselves. The film also explores the plight of the primordial
iMfolozi wilderness which is severely threatened by open-cast coal mining
on its border, and the dire rhino poaching, in this park, which is now the
epicentre of South Africa’s rhino poaching activity, with the highest rates of
poaching in more than a century.
1
Long Synopsis
The film is mostly set in the iMfolozi wilderness area, within the oldest Mentoring the women and initiating them
proclaimed game reserve in Africa and one of the fast disappearing pockets into the wilderness is, KwaMashu born, Lihle
of wilderness where wild nature can be experienced at its purest form. Mbokazi, the first black South African woman
Since time immemorial this sanctuary has maintained its raw wildness. Here wilderness guide. Lihle is also deeply interested in
an ageless spirit survives and one can sense a spiritual connection to the reviving indigenous knowledge systems and share the
land. The iMfolozi valley was the heartland of the Zulu people who lived wisdom of the old days with the young women. Along with
here in harmony with nature and with great respect (inhlonipho) to Mother Lihle we also see Janet and Zondi, the lead wilderness guides,
Earth and all creation. This wilderness acts as the main character in the film. who share nature wisdom with the women.
Into this wilderness a group of young Zulu women enters on a life-changing Despite the tranquil setting, the iMfolozi wilderness is now severely
journey to experience true wild nature for the first time in their lives. The threatened. An existing open-cast coal mine on the Eastern border of
young women, mostly from townships and semi-rural communities, aspire the wilderness is expanding regardless of its devastating impact on the
to elevate themselves beyond challenging life conditions. They have an surrounding rural communities and their livestock. Additionally, a proposed
interest in nature and a spark of leadership but they lack the opportunity to coal mine just 40 metres from the park’s southern boundary threatens to
experience wild nature in their impoverished lives. devastate even further this fragile nature gem and the communities.
Accompanied by veteran female wilderness guides, they camp under Furthermore, as home to the largest population of rhinoceros in Africa,
the stars in big game country, totally surrounded by wild animals such as the park is increasingly a gruesome poaching scene. The park is home
elephants, rhinos and lions. Exposed to the elements and carrying on their to incredibly important populations of both white and black rhino and
back all they need for the journey, they have to cope with emotional and renowned worldwide for being the historical home of the Southern White
physical challenges, and learn what it takes to survive in the wild. Rhino, following the successful ‘Operation Rhino’ in the 1960’s driven
largely by the park’s then-warden, Ian Player, whose efforts brought it back
A wilderness journey is an intense experience where one can expect to from the brink of extinction. The park now has the largest population of
undergo personal transformation. It can enhance personal growth and Southern White Rhino in the world. The success of this programme has
leadership development; and it is also a soulful experience that has the recently been compromised by the increase in rhino poaching within the
capacity to heal. The solitary night watch where one is responsible for the park. This critical threat has not only become a great concern for the park,
entire camp, the solitude contemplation sessions and the possible close but for rhino conservationists worldwide.
encounters with wild animals like a charging rhino, an elephant ambling
next to the camp at night, the yellow eyes of a wild cat in the dark of the Long periods of Nature’s ambient sounds help the audience to connect with
night, all contribute to enhance one’s sense of connection to nature and wilderness and when interweaved with the soulful music of film composer,
encourage self-introspection. The latter especially occurs whilst one sits Ian Arber, transports one into the same inner world of connectivity that
around the campfire, listening to the lively Zululand wilderness night, nature takes one on.
hearing the cough of the leopard, the cry of the hyena or the roar of the lion.
2
Media Release
SISTERS OF THE WILDERNESS DOCUMENTARY story of five young Zulu women venturing into the wilderness for the first
time in their lives on a journey of healing and self-discovery, which serves
When Five Young Zulu Women Venture Into The Wilderness, Their Lives as a reminder that we are all intimately linked to nature.
Change Forever
The film follows the women as they walk in big game country and camp
Sisters of the Wilderness, an award-winning social impact feature under the stars, totally surrounded by wild animals. Exposed to the elements
documentary set in South Africa, will have its International Premiere at the and carrying on their backs all they need for the journey, they face emotional
International Film Festival Rotterdam in January 2019. It won best South and physical challenges, and learn what it takes to survive in the wild.
African feature documentary at the Durban International Film Festival in July
2018 and qualified for an Oscar consideration. “We want to ‘transfer’ the audience to an ancient place where no barriers
separate human and nature,” says creator / producer, Ronit Shapiro, of One
Set in the iMfolozi wilderness, South Africa, in the oldest game park in Nature Films, whose experience in the iMfolozi wilderness and a meeting
Africa, the iconic Hluhluwe-iMfolozi park, Sisters of the Wilderness tells the with South Africa’s legendary conservationist, the late Dr Ian Player, inspired
her to make this film. “A journey into wilderness is an intense experience
where one can expect to undergo a personal transformation.”
The film also explores the plight of the primordial iMfolozi wilderness which
is severely threatened by an open-cast coal mine on its border, and the
intensifying rhino poaching calamity in that area.
Award-wining South African documentary filmmaker Karin Slater directed
and shot. “I was born in Empangeni and spent my early years, close to the
iMfolozi wilderness. I have a deep love and connection to this area. I know
what the wilderness has done for me over the years. ” says Karin.
Sisters of the Wilderness serves as a foundation for an outreach and
audience engagement programme that will use multiple platforms to
re-connect global audiences with nature, and empower young people,
especially women. The social impact programme was launched in
South Africa in September 2018 in celebration of Heritage Month and
World Rhino Day.
For more information on the film and social impact programme
go to www.sistersofthewilderness.com or contact Ronit Shapiro
ronitshapiro@btinternet.com
3
Sisters of the Wilderness - Social Impact Programme
The film is the foundation for an outreach and audience engagement and other further education institutions, at special events and conferences
programme that will use multiple communication platforms (physical and related to the themes and the impact goals e.g. the Illegal Wildlife
virtual) to raise awareness, inspire, communicate and engage relevant Conference, Trust conference, Women of the World festival etc., within
audiences worldwide. businesses as part of CSR programmes, at joint screenings with NGO
and organisations that work in areas related to the film’s themes, special
The Project Key Impact Goals: screenings to media etc.
Young people empowerment and leadership development, using the The long-term global impact plan includes a multi-platform immersive
power of wild nature. Special focus on women empowerment. audience engagement experience combining an interactive website, apps,
virtual reality and a multi-media art installation. We envision audiences
Re-connect audiences to wild nature and raise awareness to the value continue their interaction with the film and the broader project using the
of nature to our well-being. website and app, and visiting the multi-media art installation which will
be travelling to different geographical locations and exhibited along the
Help in the efforts to save the rhino, elephant and other endangered
film in special events. Ultimately our hope is that the film and audience
species affected by poaching.
engagement programme will create a global community of people that
Helpthe efforts to save the iMfolozi wilderness from the threat of will be passionate about the themes in the film and will be moved to take
unsustainable mining. action, small or big, to continuously raise awareness and make a difference
in those important areas.
The social impact programme will have a local element in South Africa and
a global element, with the aim of empowering young people, especially
women and bringing people closer to nature. As part of the local social
impact plan each of the young women in the film will have a mentorship
and leadership development programme beyond the film and a support
network. This will create a positive ripple effect on the women’s families and
communities. The above will be developed and delivered in collaboration
with organizations and educational establishments in South Africa.
A programme of interactive screening to under-served communities will
be rolled out in 2018 / 2019 in Southern Africa. These screening events
will build on the themes in the film and combine drama, music, art etc. to
create an interactive experience for the audience. This will be delivered in
collaboration with strategic partners and facilitators in Southern Africa.
In Europe, starting in the UK, we aim to screen at schools, universities
4
Unique Points:
The film was awarded triple F-rating, which is awarded to films directed, Sisters of the Wilderness is a ‘Green Production’ - sustainable and ethical.
shot and produced by women; and feature women as main characters. All production decisions were evaluated to ensure minimal impact on the
Karin Slater and Ronit Shapiro are members of SWIFT (Sisters Working in environment and the engagement of local suppliers. Ronit Shapiro actively
Film and TV), and passionate about women empowerment and leadership works to promote ethical, fair-trade and environment-friendly practices in
development. filmmaking, business and non-for-profit sectors.
5
Director’s Notes met extraordinary people, many of them women who undertake incredible
challenges to protect wild nature and nurture a love and appreciation of the
natural world; using immersive nature experiences to bring people closer to
Karin Slater nature and to each other.
Born in Empangeni, and spending my early years near Nyalazi River, a stone’s Between 2010 and 2015 I developed and wrote the screenplay for a
throw from iMfolozi Game Reserve, I have a deep love and connection to this narrative feature film inspired by the book ‘Zulu Wilderness: Shadow and
area. Also being the first woman cinematographer in this part of the world Soul’ by South Africa’s much loved legendary conservationist, the late Dr
and starting my career in wildlife documentaries I understand the trailblazing Ian Player.
nature that the women wilderness guides in the film went through, to break
into the male dominated world of wildlife conservation. I saw in ‘Zulu Wilderness’ a vehicle to tell a timeless story in the light of the
devastating poaching of rhinos, elephants and other precious species, the
So when Ronit Shapiro approached me to work with her on her idea to make deteriorating state of the planet, our growing disconnection from nature and
this film, it felt right to say yes. After a research shoot in December 2016, I the prevalence of racial intolerance.
felt there was a strong film here. It combines so many aspects of my career
focus over the years, the nature element, indigenous people and this time set It is through Ian Player and Baba Magqubu Ntombela’s friendship story
in the area I grew up in. I also really like the social impact strand that goes that I have learned about the immense value of wilderness for all humanity.
with the film. I know what wilderness has done for me over the years and it Wilderness and especially the African wilderness, is an unrecognised gift
would be wonderful to share this with the 5 young women who go on into the that very few know of and appreciate, let alone make use of. If we would
wilderness and through them with the world, in the form of a film. only learn how to pause and listen to the wilderness we would regain
vitality, love of life and all creation; and a uniting creative force to make
things better and draw more light into our life and the lives of others.
Producer’s Notes Sadly a year after the passing of Dr Player in November 2014 my option
for the film rights expired and couldn’t be renewed. Nonetheless I was
keen to continue with my vision and find a different story that will carry the
Ronit Shapiro
same messages and themes. This is how the Sisters of the Wilderness idea
Since my early years I was interested in two interconnected themes, the was born.
wellness of people and the environment. These have become, in the past
Sisters of the Wilderness is dedicated to the memory of Magqubu Ntombela
ten years, the focus of my professional and personal life. In 2009 I decided
and Ian Player whose, “remarkable friendship which grew in the wild is a
to make a career change and move from marketing and communications to
shining example of the spirit of the people of this country [South Africa]…” (as
film-making, with a vision to create engaging high quality films that inspire,
was written by Nelson Mandela in the forward to Dr Player’s book).
connect and make a long-lasting impact. My film projects are motivated by
my wish to make a positive social and environmental difference. I hope that the spirit of Dr Player and Baba Magqubu; and the Sisters of the
Wilderness film will empower growing numbers of individuals worldwide
The idea to make the social impact feature documentary Sisters of the
who aspire to make a positive impact to the lives of people and all living
Wilderness is the outcome of a long personal journey. On this journey I
things on the planet.
6
Karin Slater – Biography
Short Biography ‘Meaning of the Buffalo’ in 2004 premiered at Sundance Film Festival
(where it was in the festivals ‘Top 10 Must See Films’). It also screened at
Karin Slater’s deep interest in rural life and nature has led her to Berlin Film Festival, Hot Docs, Museum of Modern Art, New York and was
documenting the lives of interesting people and places across the globe. selected as a New York Times Critics Pick in 2004.
From working with the Dagomba people in Ghana to the Shipibo people in
the Amazon. Amongst other things, she has also raised leopards, a lioness Other productions include ‘From Nkoko... with Love’ (2005 FESPACO,
and tigers while working making wildlife documentaries. Her films have Encounters Film Festivals) about traditional paths to womanhood, ‘Scars’
screened at Sundance, Berlinale, Hot Docs, Museum of Modern Art, New (2005, DIFF, Copenhagen, London) a film about girl gang violence, Prenessa
York and she has won numerous awards including the Trailblazer Award and the Dolphins (2006 DIFF) Laxmi’s Blessings (2008 Encounters Film
for innovative and creative work in the field of documentaries at Mipdoc, Festival) Through Different Eyes (2010) A Table for Two (Encounters Film
Cannes 2008 and at the New York Film and Television Awards in 2016. Festival /DIFF 2014) Climbing the Ladder (2016 Ford Foundation) and Brazil
One in Three (2015 Al Jazeera).
Long Biography
She is a published photographer in ‘Footing with Sir Richards Ghost’ -
Karin Slater Director / Cinematographer Patricia Glynn, ‘Nine Lives’ - John Varty, ‘T’ingwe’ - Gillian Van Houten, ‘I
Speak of Africa’ - Molly Buchanan to name a few.
Karin Slater was awarded with the prestigious Trailblazer Award at MIPDOC
Cannes 2008. An award given to five filmmakers around the world doing Among her skills is teaching and consulting other filmmakers. She has
creative and innovative work in documentaries. She also received the Best taught Independent Documentary at Selkirk College, Canada for two years
South African Documentary Award at the 2008 Durban International Film and was head mentor at Big Fish School of Digital Filmmaking in Cape
Festival and the 2008 Apollo Film Festival for her film 50 Years! Of Love? In Town and Johannesburg for 7 years.
2016 Kenya’s Water Women received an award in the social category at the
New York Film and Television Awards.
At Vision du Reel 2017 South African Focus Karin Slater had three of
her documentary works screening which reflect the different ways she
works within the documentary industry. In one work she was Director &
cinematographer ’50 Years of Love?’ , Jeppe on a Friday cinematographer
and in Atrophy and the fear of Fading, Head Mentor.
Her first recognition came in 1989 when she received the ‘Best Student
Director Award’ while studying at Technikon Natal, South Africa. She went
on learning her trade in the wilds of Africa raising and filming big cats for
Londolozi Productions. In 2000 her film for National Geographic, ‘Animal
Powers’ won four Avanti awards including Best Director.
7
Ronit Shapiro – Biography
Ronit Shapiro - Producer / Executive Producer / Researcher / Writer / Social Ronit who is London based has special work and family connections with
Impact Producer South Africa. In 2005 Ronit was Marketing Manager for the South African
Tourist Board in London. Later as an independent marketing consultant
Ronit’s career spans more than twenty years in marketing, communications, she managed projects and undertook volunteering roles for various South
event production and project management. Ronit headed global marketing African companies and non-for-profits, for example: The Wilderness
and branding projects in both public and private organizations and had her Foundation, The Mantis Collection. Ronit collaborates with South African
own event and marketing consultancy, which focused on initiatives relating organizations and artists based in London such as Brand South Africa.
to the wellbeing of people and the environment. In 2011 Ronit founded She was invited to present at several events at the South African High
One Nature Films with a vision to create high quality social impact films. Commission, on Heritage and Women Day; and also presented to emerging
She is a self-taught filmmaker and gained experience as an independent film-makers from South Africa about the British Film Industry.
producer, executive producer, researcher, screenwriter and director whilst
working on the adaption of the book ‘Zulu Wilderness: Shadow and Soul’
by Dr Ian Player into a narrative feature film. The Sisters of the Wilderness
documentary and social impact project is a natural progression from ‘Zulu
Wilderness’ and carries similar themes and messages. It is also set in the
same location in KwaZulu-Natal.
8
Short descriptions of characters
Amanda Ntombela Wendy Mkhwanaza Thembani Mdunge Andile Nxumalo
Amanda, a caring and intelligent Wendy Mkhwanaza is from Mooi Thembani is from Sweetwaters, Andile is from Umlazi, Durban. She
young women (age: 19), was a shy River in KwaZulu-Natal. She went a semi-rural area in Hilton, in the grew up with her mother and later
and lonely kid. Her father passed to school at King’s School and Natal Midlands. She and her sister a step father. She comes from a
away before she was born, and finished at Nottingham Road grew up in deep poverty when their poor homestead and she is bright
she was raised by her grandmother Combined School in KwaZulu- mum was ill and couldn’t support and ambitious. She experienced
and mother. As a lone child in her Natal. She is passionate about them and their father wasn’t around. great difficulties in her life due to
early teens, she went through a nature and became a leader in She started working as a domestic her mother falling ill. She had an
very difficult and painful period the Environmental Club at school. worker at an early age and recently, unplanned pregnancy and she has
of suffering and grieving after She faced very difficult time, with the support of her boss, a young daughter who is looked
her grandmother, to whom she losing her mother to whom she started an administrative course after by her mum. She is now
was very close, died in front of was much attached, and having and hopes to be promoted in her studying and working at the Natal
her eyes. When her mother also an unexpected pregnancy at a workplace and become an office Midlands Community College and
fell sick Amanda was left to fend young age. She has a four years manager. She lives with her sister plans to go to university next year.
for herself. She found relief from old daughter and she lives with her in a small dwelling in Sweetwaters.
the pain walking in the green hills grandmother in Mpophomeni. She is a faithful Shembe church-
above her town. Whilst at high goer and her dream is to start a
“I have always wanted to camp small bead-making business and
school she came out of her shell
around wild areas where there are school. Beadwork was a skill she
when she initiated an after-school
wild animals. I have been wanting learnt from her late mother.
programme to help young children
to see how people lived in wild area
in the township who had reading
with no toilet, electricity or beds.
and writing difficulties. From that
I also want to learn about being a
she grew up to become a volunteer
proper leader so that one day I can
at the Mpophomeni Conservation
be one too. I am a nature-born girl,
Kids Club where she organises for
and I can’t wait to go and learn
the kids educational activities and
more things and come back and
nature walks. She recently started
lead my community and show them
marketing and business studies.
how we can protect and improve
our land.”
9Lihle Mbokazi Janet Frangs Nokuphila Cele Bongimpilo Zondi
Lihle is an experienced wilderness Co-leading the trail with Lihle is Nokuphila grew up in Mpophomeni Zondi is a wilderness guide with
guide, originally from KwaMashu Janet Frangs, a qualified nature in a single-parent household, with the Wilderness Leadership School
near Durban. She was the first guide of many years. Janet has her mother, sister and brother. in Durban. He grew up in the
black woman to graduate from a lifelong love affair with Nature Nokuphila had two unexpected KwaZulu’s midlands and worked
the Wilderness Leadership School and feels more comfortable under pregnancies at a young age. One as a driver / helper to Dr Ian Player.
in 2005, but her journey was not the stars in the wilderness than of her daughters passed away only Dr Player realised the potential in
without difficulties and she is still within four walls. She is guided few weeks after birth, the other young Zondi and sent him on a
facing tremendous challenges by the ancient wisdom held in child is being raised with support wilderness training course, and
on the path she chose. Daughter the rocks, the rivers and the trees from an aunt. Nokuphila’s dream is Zondi has since became a lead
of a single mother who earned a and uses her intuition to deliver to become a professional chef. She guide at the wilderness school. He
living as a domestic worker, and a deep experience for the people is very independent and decided to dedicates his life to giving people,
one of seven siblings, Lihle’s early she takes on wilderness journeys. leave home to see if she can make young and old, an opportunity to
years were poverty stricken and Animal encounters are gentle and her own living. She was trained in experience wilderness and share
often scary. Growing up during respectful, mindful of the fact that a hotel in Durban and she is now with them deep nature wisdom
Apartheid she witnessed violence we are no more or less but all part looking to start her own small food drawn from his Zulu culture and
and oppression. Nature found her of the same circle of life. Janet business. from the teachings of Dr Player.
as a young child visiting family is also a Body Talk practitioner,
in rural KwaZulu-Natal. It was on meditation teacher and Reiki
these journeys where her soul found Master, committed to reawakening
peace away from the difficulties the realisation of our oneness with
of everyday life. Her training as all of life.
a wilderness guide was a life-
changing experience and instilled in
her resilience and leadership skills.
Her work is now focused on sharing
her knowledge of the wilderness
with those who can benefit from its
healing powers most, young people
from underprivileged background.
10Production and Technical Credits:
Director & Cinematographer: Karin Slater; Creator / Producer: Ronit Shapiro;
Executive Producers: Ken and Liz Whitney, Antonia Bothner, Ronit Shapiro;
Editor: Anja Bombelli; Composer: Ian Arber; Strings recorded at Abbey Road Studios, London;
Orchestration: Andy Kyte; Live Percussion: Richard Olatunde Baker;
Score produced and mixed: Ian Arber; Assistant Editors: Clea Mallinson, Emma Watkin;
Sound: Karin Slater; Sound Design and Mix: Stef Albertyn;
Colour grading & online edit: Richard Starkey; Story Consultant: Susan Brand;
Graphic Design: Batsirai Madzonga, Jose Carlos Conde Acuaviva;
Logo Animation: Jose Carlos Conde Acuaviva; Stills Photography: Kim Mcleod, Ronit Shapiro;
Subtitles & Translations: Nwabisa Bota; Additional Translations: Lihle Mbokazi, Sinoxolo Bulana;
Transcriptions: Top Transcriptions; Production Company: One Nature Films;
Post-Production Supervision: In de Light; Editing Suite, Zurich: LaBelle Film;
Equipment: Digital Film Service, In de Light, Sean Wisedale
Executive Producers / Funders
Ken and Liz Whitney, Antonia Bothner, Ronit Shapiro
Key Supporters / Donors
Peter Eastwood, Ashok Sewnarain, Martin Moshal, Janet Nancarrow, Mark Walker and
many other supporters worldwide who contributed to the project crowd-funding campaign.
In Kind Supporters
Pavilion Hotel, Durban; Cape Union Mart, K-Way, Mantis Collection, Thula Thula Private Game Reserve,
The Bateleurs, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, In the Company of Horses, Zuza Trade, Princess Diamonds,
Planet Afryca, Fezufunda, Royal Gypsy, Africa Ignite, Ouse Bridge Guest House, Andries Botha,
The Headroom Studio, Durban, Afromontane, South African Airlines
11Digital screener – available on request
Trailer
www.vimeo.com/254099298
The project’s website:
www.sistersofthewilderness.com
Facebook
www.facebook.com/Sistersofthewilderness
Twitter
www.twitter.com/WildSisters16
Instagram
www.instagram.com/sistersofthewilderness
www.instagram.com/onenaturefilms
YouTube
www.youtube.com/watch?v=iA7UcUauAkk&t=2s
Indiegogo 2017
www.indiegogo.com/projects/sisters-of-the-wilderness-part-2-social-impact/x/14796140#
Indiegogo 2016
www.indiegogo.com/projects/sisters-of-the-wilderness-leadership#
Highlights from the film’s sound track
www.soundcloud.com/ianarber/sisters-of-the-wilderness-suite-2
12About One Nature Films:
One Nature Films is a social impact film production company based in
London, UK, founded by Ronit Shapiro in 2011. Our vision is to create
engaging high quality films that inspire, connect and make a difference. We
believe in the power of film to make social and environmental impact. One
Nature Films has a deep-rooted passion for the environment, the natural “Through wilderness we remember and are brought home again.”
world and human society. Our name ‘One Nature’ reflects our belief in the Sir Laurens van der Post
oneness of humanity and the interconnectedness of all things. We strive to
be ethical and socially responsible. One Nature, beyond film-making, is a
social enterprise focused on the wellness of people and the environment.
Our aim is to bring about a positive social impact in any project we develop.
For additional information about One Nature Films and Sisters of the
Wilderness contact: © 2018 One Nature Films
Creator / Producer, Ronit Shapiro Email: ronitshapiro@btinternet.com OR
onenaturefilms@gmail.com Skype: ronit.shapiro Tel: +44 (0)7971 196446
1314
© 2018 One Nature Films
You can also read
