Legendary Kani adds special touch to Zambezi wildlife documentary

mnyobes@theherald.co.za

The legendary John Kani will narrate tonight’s screening of The Wild Zambezi series at Plettenberg Bay’s Sky Villa Boutique Hotel.

The series stems from the travels of two Plett residents, Daron Chatz and Grace Harrison, who set out to Lower Zambezi National Park to document and tell its story.

Harrison, director and producer of the series, said it explored the park’s rich biodiversity and imminent threats, “notably the proposed Kangaluwi copper mine that is set to go ahead in the park, endangering not only the park but also the nearby Mana Pools Unesco World Heritage Site, the Zambezi River and many surrounding wildlife corridors”.

The Zambian park sustains hundreds of thousands of people and animals.

Wild Zambezi deals with themes such as safeguarding the last protected wilderness areas on the planet, climate change, community livelihoods, animal and human coexistence, ecotourism and conservation.

It also highlights the strides made over the last 20 years to protect the park, and to encourage human-wildlife coexistence.

Chatz and Harrison, who funded the film with help from donors, hope it will encourage authorities to reconsider their decision to approve the mine and to rescind the mining rights.

“As Greater Good Productions, we are hoping this project will give kudos to our company and lead to many more meaningful documentary film projects in the future,” Harrison said.

The two spent two years on extensive research during the Covid-19 pandemic and started filming in May 2022.

The crew took three months to film and for the story development, as well as editing, which was handled by Carmen van der Westhuizen.

Chatz said it was an honour to have Kani narrate the eightpart documentary series.

Harrison said: “Dr Kani is the father of Africa. His voice is so powerful and it connects deeply with the land.

“It is such a wonderful addition to our series and we are extremely grateful to have him on board.”

Tonight’s screening at 7pm will cater for about 100 people and be set up on an outdoor big screen, with those attending advised to bring chairs, blankets and pillows.

The event is free. Those interested should RSVP to enquiries@ rawafricaboutiquecollection.co.za