The aim is simple - to give a spotlight to individuals and organisations that are deeply intertwined with our natural world and to empower those who might not otherwise have a voice within it. Operating at smaller numbers minimises the Four Horn footprint and enables a deeper understanding with the subject matter. With each film there is an added objective of making a long-term difference, be it with a short film/documentary or quick promotional piece. Here are just a few examples of the impact of a Four Horn film:
FOOTPRINTS OF THE FOREST
From the samples taken on our Blanquillo expedition in the Peruvian Rainforest, a total of 166 species were recorded. DNA of some species was collected and sequenced for the first time. The presence of Arapaima found in Jaldar lake, however, was an unexpectedly positive result, as the species is currently vulnerable due to overfishing in the area. This evidence suggests that the new model of community run-fishing has been effective in increasing the number of Arapaima. If applied on a wider scale, the eDNA model has the potential to be replicated in other ecosystems to aid conservation efforts and empower communities.
Information collected will be part of the world’s largest repository of flora and fauna species data, contributing not only to local biodiversity but also to a complete global map.
LIVING IN THE LAND OF TUSKERS
In this award-winning documentary, Tsavo Trust (partnered with Tofauti) explore the issues and innovative solutions with regards to human wildlife conflict in the Kamungi Conservancy. This film has been used by Tsavo Trust as a centre piece for donor drives helping explain the complex situation and continue interest and support. It is exciting to report that the ground-breaking 10% fence plan as per the film, now has enough funding to be implemented throughout Kamungi.
NGUMU
Off the back of this documentary, there has been a drive to address the gender imbalance on Kilimanjaro. Partnered with the Exodus Travels Foundation and Robertson Outdoor Bursary, the ‘Mountain Lioness Scholarship’ has now been set up in which 10 women each year over the next 3 years will be fully funded to become fully qualified mountain guides on Kilimanjaro. I am so incredibly proud to announce that since the scholarship began, all 30 candidates have now passed and inspiring a new generation of guides on Kilimanjaro.
CARRIED AWAY: A PORTER’S STORY
In making this film we uncovered that no porter working on the Inca Trail had ever actually laid eyes on Machu Picchu, a hugely important part of their own heritage and identity as Quechuans.
Off the back of this film, partnered with PEAK and the Exodus Travels Foundation, the ‘Porter Project’ was born, in which a pledge was made that all porters working for these organisations would all get to see Machu Picchu as a tourist would. This has now been fulfilled with all 108 porters now having seen Machu Picchu on tours spoken in their native Quechuan language with their wages covered for the session. It has also now become an industry wide norm. A small gesture to recognise and appreciate the incredible work that these amazing individuals do day in day out.
THE MAASAI WARRIORESS
A short film made for the promotion of the charitable organisation SAFE, in which Sarah Tenoi – SAFE Maa Project Manager, talks of her fight against FGM/C in the Loita Hills, Kenya. Key to fundraising, the film has been since used to bring prospective and existing donors closer to the project.
Back in 2017, when filming took place, 70% of young girls were receiving the alternative right of passage; an incredible number but still a long way to go. Gathering by gathering the Morans continued to sing their progressive songs of change (view film for more info), until finally in February 2019 there was an historic breakthrough…
For the first time in history, the tribal elders of the Loita Maasai gathered to publicly denounce FGM/C in the Loita region of Kenya. All of this made possible because of the amazing work of the SAFE Maa team.