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.

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.

In 2021 NEWF hosted the Decade Divemaster Storytellers Lab for 10 Indigenous African women. Training to be SCUBA Divemasters by day and delving into storytelling by night - they had a virtual session unpacking ocean storytelling with Brian Skerry.

As we celebrate Ocean Month, it has been amazing to reflect on all the ocean stories in the NEWF Community. And as we reflect, so too do our fellows. Observing Ashunganya Nchafac Nkemlemo Precious’ journey with the ocean and storytelling has been a beautiful example of why NEWF does what it does. Briefly reflecting on her journey, she shares her win at CAMIFF.

George Amado is a man on a mission to re-story Ghana’s coral reefs. A passionate teacher inspired by how life in the ocean and on land is connected, he teaches drowning prevention and plans on establishing a new dive industry in Ghana.

When award-winning marine scientist and Mandela Washington Fellow Nancy Iraba joined the 2021 Decade Divemaster Storytelling Lab she could barely swim. Passionate about ocean access and science communication, she has a gift for turning barriers into opportunities.

The largest Ocean Access Program for African Scientists, Conservationists and Storytellers, NEWF dive labs create opportunities for freediving certifications too. Recently, a cohort met in Sodwana Bay to calmly descend and ascend along a 10m buoy line, one breath at a time.