In November 2024, Wa’kaya embarked on a creative and inspiring journey to capture the heart of our work in Malanje, Angola. Collaborating with Pes Descalços, a local organization dedicated to training and empowering young artists, we brought in a talented team of three young Angolan filmmakers to help tell the story of Wa’kaya and the communities we serve.
These filmmakers traveled from Luanda to Malanje to create a series of short films that vividly portray the challenges, aspirations, and daily lives of rural communities, as well as their complex relationship with nature. This storytelling effort is a key part of Wa’kaya’s mission to connect conservation with the human experience, showcasing why our work matters and the hope and opportunities that lie ahead.
“Our organizational ethos includes mentoring and raising up youth, as well as using local people where possible,” shared Wa’kaya Founder and Executive Director, Tania Paschen. “Hiring locally is very important to us, giving local people the chance to shine and help tell our story. This is their country, and the issues they are portraying are often universal—something they know intimately themselves and can bring their own experiences into the storytelling too.”
The three films they created offer an authentic perspective, highlighting the circumstances of rural communities while weaving in the possibilities for growth through education and conservation. By telling these stories, the filmmakers have helped build a bridge between communities and audiences, sparking understanding and empathy for the challenges and opportunities in Malanje.
These films not only document the current realities but also delve into the connection between community and conservation. They explore the importance of nature in the lives of the people and raise questions about what it means to them today. This storytelling provides a vital baseline for Wa’kaya, capturing the perspectives and attitudes of the community before the rollout of our education and agroforestry initiatives.
The assistant director reflected on the impact of the project: “I have never been to Malanje before, or sat with very rural people before, seeing their lives and understanding their day to day.” This fresh perspective added depth to the storytelling, capturing the beauty and resilience of these communities while shedding light on their struggles.
The films are more than just stories—they are a tool for change. By shining a light on the realities and potential of rural communities, they serve as a call to action for anyone invested in the future of conservation and development in Angola.
We invite you to watch these powerful short films and experience the heart of Wa’kaya’s mission through the eyes of those living it.
Together, we can create a future where people and nature thrive in harmony. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue our journey of storytelling and action in Angola.
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