UWE Bristol strengthens international wildlife filmmaking links at Wildscreen Festival Kenya

UWE Bristol played a key role at this year's Wildscreen Festival, Kenya, bringing together established and aspiring African filmmakers, educators, and worldwide industry professionals.

As a major sponsor of the festival, the University highlighted the impact of its MA Wildlife Filmmaking programme, co-delivered with the BBC Studios Natural History Unit. Through this longstanding partnership, the 12-month course has become a global tour de force, with graduates going on to become some of the industry's most recognised talent.

Many of the world's most spectacular images of nature and wildlife have been captured in Africa, showcasing the continent's extraordinary landscapes and biodiversity.

Wildlife filmmaking is an increasingly popular career choice for young Kenyans, combining a passion for nature with the opportunity to tell the stories of their country.

However, the African screen industry faces many of the same challenges seen around the world: how to succeed in a highly competitive global content market, adapt to rapidly evolving technologies, and secure funding to tell important stories.

Kenya also faces some unique challenges. While opportunities for Kenyans to work on international productions are increasing, there is not yet a well-established skills pipeline, and gaining the necessary experience can be difficult and out of reach for many aspiring filmmakers.

This was Wildscreen’s second festival in Nairobi and its fourth in Africa. The festival's mission is to support the growing number of young people entering – or aspiring to enter – the wildlife and screen industries, while advancing the global conversation around conservation and storytelling through film.

UWE Bristol's MA Wildlife Filmmaking programme works closely with Wildscreen, with students regularly volunteering at the UK festival. Lynn Barlow, Assistant Vice-Chancellor, Creative and Cultural Industries Engagement, also serves as a Trustee of Wildscreen.

At the Nairobi festival, Lynn moderated a panel discussion featuring MA Wildlife Filmmaking Programme Leader Peter Venn, BBC Studios Natural History Unit Director of Programmes Sreya Biswas, and three UWE Bristol alumni - Pauline Kyalo, Thige Njuguna and Alice Owen.

The discussion highlighted the impact of international collaboration and the opportunities that can be created through investment in emerging filmmaking talent.

The BBC Studios Natural History Unit has fully funded two places on the MA Wildlife Filmmaking programme for Kenyan students. As a result, Pauline and Thige are now working in Nairobi. Pauline works for a Bristol-based independent production company, while Thige manages social media for the city's Elephant Sanctuary. Alice recently completed work as a researcher on the BBC production Lion, which was filmed in Africa.

Reflecting on the festival, Lynn said: "This was an opportunity to share our knowledge with young people in Kenya and beyond. People travelled from across Africa to attend the festival, many for the fourth time.

"It was inspiring to meet filmmakers who are eager to tell stories about the wildlife, landscapes and conservation challenges that matter to their communities.

"We will spend some time considering what would be a useful next step to working more closely with the developing screen sector in Kenya."

The festival provided an opportunity for UWE Bristol to strengthen relationships with partners and explore how the University can continue to support skills development, conservation storytelling and wildlife filmmaking talent across Africa.