By Mwakwaya Raymond
Email: info.newsbooth@gmail.com
A new film focusing on elephant conservation, titled "The Elephant Queen," has embarked on a nationwide tour, beginning in Mombasa County. This initiative, known as the Mobile Cinema and Outreach Programme, commenced on Friday, November 12. The programme aims to bring the film to various communities, starting with screenings in Mombasa at locations such as Changamwe and Shanzu, where hundreds of local residents had the opportunity to view the documentary.
Currently, "The Elephant Queen" is being shown in Kwale County, with plans to extend the screenings to other regions across the country. The primary objective of this outreach is to inspire Kenyans of all ages to develop a deeper appreciation and understanding of elephants and the broader environment. The film is a family-friendly, multi-award-winning Kenyan feature documentary, filmed in the expansive Tsavo-Amboseli ecosystem, which is renowned for its rich biodiversity.
The documentary tells a compelling and intimate story of one of Africa's most majestic and sentient animals. It stars Athena, an elephant matriarch, who is portrayed as the ultimate leading lady. The narrative follows her as she does everything within her power to protect her family when they are forced to leave their waterhole due to environmental pressures. The film not only celebrates Kenya’s extraordinary wildlife but also highlights the challenges faced by elephants, including poaching for ivory, human-wildlife conflict, and the loss of rangelands.
"The Elephant Queen" has received numerous accolades, including the Cinema for Peace Award, the UN World Wildlife Day Biodiversity Award, and the Best Cinematography award at DOC NYC. These awards underscore the film's impact and the importance of its message.
The making of the film was a decade-long endeavor led by directors Mark Deeble and Victoria Stone, with assistance from Etienne Oliff. During this time, the filmmakers witnessed firsthand the escalating crisis facing elephants, which reinforced their conviction that more needs to be done to protect these majestic creatures. This realization led to the creation of "The Elephant Queen Outreach Program," aimed at raising awareness and promoting conservation efforts.
The outreach team travels with a customized, self-contained 4x4 Bedford lorry equipped with a super-sized solar-powered air screen cinema setup, allowing them to bring the film to remote areas. Through this innovative approach, the programme seeks to engage communities in meaningful conversations about wildlife conservation and the importance of preserving Kenya's natural heritage.
