Women documented in wilderness
A SOCIAL impact feature documentary which tells the story of five young Zulu women venturing into the wilderness for the first time on a journey of self-discovery will premiere at the Encounters South African International Documentary Festival in Cape Town in June.
Sisters of the Wilderness, directed by filmmaker, Karin Slater, is set in South Africa in the oldest game park in Africa, the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi park, where the white rhino was saved from extinction.
The film follows the women as they walk in big game country and camp under the stars.
Exposed to the elements and carrying on their backs all they need for the journey, they face emotional and physical challenges, and learn what it takes to survive in the wild.
Protected by a pair of rangers and overseen by a motherly guide, they learn about animal behaviour, their Zulu ancestry and the importance of conservation.
“We want to ‘transfer’ the audience to an ancient place where no barriers separate human and nature,” said creator/producer, Ronit Shapiro, of One Nature Films.
Shapiro’s experience in the iMfolozi wilderness and a meeting with South African conservationist, the late 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 and build leadership,” Shapiro said.
Slater said: “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.”
The film also explores the plight of this wilderness area threatened by an opencast coal mine on its border, as well as the severe poaching that is reducing the rhino population.
Shapiro has engaged London-based, Evolutionary Films, as the film’s international sales agency.
Screenings at Encounters in Cape Town are on June 2 at the Labia at 3.30pm, June 6 at the V&A Waterfront at 8pm (Q and A) and June 7 at Isivivane Centre, Khayelitsha at 6pm. The festival runs from May 31 to June 10 in Cape Town.
For more information, tickets and the schedule visit www.encounters.co.za.
The film also explores the severe rhino poaching in the iMfolozi region