The 8th NEWF Fellows Summit and Congress emerged as a culturally vibrant, supportive and engaging source of community, connection and creative energy once again. Curated to respond to the evolving needs of fellows, covering everything from storytelling craft, pitching strategies and collaborative production approaches - to inviting the industry to join the conversation reimagining the future of community-inclusive, African-led storytelling, science and art.

Over time, our designs have travelled from where we meet, to the rest of the African continent - and around the world! Of course, it’s not just about a cool grid or merch, nor how incredible a sea of fellows merched-up look together - it’s about the sense of community and seeing a movement we hold dear continue to grow.

The central part of the park has always been my haven, with an almost guaranteed lion roar at night, if not a sighting, or perhaps it's just sentimental. However, it was only in 2021, after a series of strange coincidences (in hindsight), that I stumbled upon Pafuri Camp and experienced a sense of belonging, a sense of homecoming.

Last year, we shared our mission to build strong communities for NEWF fellows to grow and take up space. eKhaya has become a dynamic space to gather, learn, challenge, train, eat, and rest in community. #ChangingTheNarrative manifests as 250+ African storytellers, scientists, researchers, and conservationists bringing diverse perspectives, ideas, and dreams to life.

Nothing could have prepared me for its unique rhythm, cultural diversity, and beautiful stories. I live for great stories—they inspire, challenge, and push me to grow as a storyteller. While working on my next film, I felt the need for critical perspective. Discovering NEWF’s Greenstories Pitch open call, I took the leap as an observer.

The 13th Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) from 3 to 9 November 2024 in Lagos, Nigeria, opened with Michael W. Ndiomu’s HEADLESS. The event  featured 150 films, masterclasses, and networking events. Themed ‘Indigenous to Global: Cultural Wealth to Global Prosperity, it underscored Nollywood’s authenticity and global impact.

Last week, the NEWF Community took to Durban’s beachfront to participate in the eThekwini Blue Economy Week where Pragna Parsotam-Kok (Co-Founder and Executive Director of NEWF) went live on air with Cape Talk and Radio 702 to talk about the NEWF Community and how our vision and mission fit into the Blue Economy at a community and professional level.

The Jackson Wild Media Awards is one of the most prestigious in nature and wildlife.Straight out of FAME Week, Noel and Pragna flew to Washington D.C. to present the Lifetime Achievement Award to filmmaker and conservationist, Mike Pandey.

FAME Week has been a whirlwind sharing NEWF’s programs and impact with visitors at our booth, in our sessions and during one-on-one exchanges. From VR and films, to unpacking labs and our Africa Refocused program; we are energised by the support for our vision, mission and an equitable future for African Storytellers.

Kenyan writer, voice artist and mother, Wambui Waweru’s place with NEWF is not always easily defined. A tangle of creativity moving swiftly and slowly as at once, she works closely with cohorts to deepen their storytelling, and contributes to redefining the lens through which Africa is seen.

The women in the NEWF community are among many across the continent showing up as the leaders and change-makers we have needed in our time. As the climate crisis intensifies, intersectional social justice and impact movements rise to challenge the ways of the world - these women are advocating for a better future.

While diversity in the wildlife film industry is growing, foreign talent still dominates production on the African continent. Kenyan Peter Ndung’u had the timely opportunity to join Gulo Film’s crew in Finland for 4 weeks.