The Nature, Environment and Wildlife Filmmakers (NEWF) have exciting news to share – two NEWF-supported films, ‘Wild Hope: Pangolin Protectors’ and ‘O mar para Analine (Sea to Analine)’, have been named as finalists at the prestigious 2025 Jackson Wild Media Awards. These films, both set in Mozambique, showcase excellence and innovation in nature, science, and conservation storytelling.
Noel Kok, Co-Founder and Executive Director of NEWF, emphasized the importance of amplifying voices from Africa and the global south in conservation storytelling. This recognition at the Jackson Wild Media Awards not only celebrates the filmmakers’ craft but also calls for a shift in the narrative of conservation.
NEWF is dedicated to providing opportunities for African filmmakers to lead in telling the continent’s most urgent environmental and conservation stories. Through capacity enhancement, fellowships, international labs, and partnerships, NEWF is creating an ecosystem where African storytellers can thrive and collaborate with each other. The success of ‘Wild Hope: Pangolin Protectors’ and ‘O mar para Analine’ at the Jackson Wild Media Awards validates this approach, empowering local creators to share their perspectives on environmental issues.
‘Wild Hope: Pangolin Protectors’ follows wildlife veterinarian Elias Mubobo and a team of rangers as they rescue and rehabilitate pangolins, the world’s only scaled mammals. The film highlights the importance of protecting this endangered species and inspiring the next generation to care for wildlife.
‘O mar para Analine’ tells the story of Mozambican musician Muha as he creates a musical gift for his niece, Analine, who has never seen the ocean. Through Muha’s journey to capture the sounds of the sea, he undergoes personal growth and connection with his niece. Both films showcase the talent and creativity of filmmakers from Africa and the global south.
The 2025 Jackson Wild Media Awards ceremony will be held from September 29 to October 3 at the Jackson Lake Lodge in Grand Teton National Park, USA. NEWF congratulates all the finalists who are reshaping conservation and environmental media on a global scale.
NEWF’s commitment to supporting filmmakers across Africa reflects a larger movement towards empowering those most impacted by environmental change to tell their stories. By investing in mentorship, production support, and access to networks, NEWF is paving the way for diverse voices to be heard in the conservation space.
We look forward to the upcoming Jackson Wild Media Awards ceremony and celebrate the achievements of ‘Wild Hope: Pangolin Protectors’ and ‘O mar para Analine’ as they continue to inspire audiences with their impactful storytelling.
