It has been obvious to us for a long time that our research on the spatial ecology of the cheetah has implications beyond the realms of the scientific community and we therefore approached our research together with many stakeholders. We believe that this partnership at eye level was key to developing solutions to the human-wildlife conflict that threatens both the cheetahs and the cattle farmers.
When it came to finalizing and publishing key findings from this research, we decided to continue this path and not only disseminate our results in the world of science. In order to do so we were joined by filmmaker Sean Viljoen and Leibniz-IZW communication officer Jan Zwilling in November 2019 and together we discussed, conceptualized and filmed a short documentary. It has been intense five days of developing and discarding ideas, of waiting for the perfect moment, of hoping for best light and of meeting the people whose story this is. "Jan and Sean made an incredible job with the film and telling our story. That they submerged so quickly in the scientific facts, Namibia as a country, its people and its wildlife was fascinating to see", summarises Jörg Melzheimer, lead author of the corresponding paper which was recently published by PNAS (www.pnas.org/content/early/2020/12/01/2002487117).
“I had the pleasure of documenting the ground-breaking cheetah research project in Namibia last year. The findings of the Leibniz-IZW scientists and the farmers are fascinating and it was such a privilege to learn more first-hand about such an impactful project from the people doing the work on the ground”, says Sean Viljoen, co-founder of Conservation Film Company. Thank you so much for you enthusiams and professionalism!
“In my eyes, we owe a deep and heartfelt thank you to the farmers who collaborated with us on the film and with the whole research team for so many years”, says Jan Zwilling. “Especially when there is a conflict, we as human tend to pick sides and built barriers instead of bridges – but the opposite was true here. Heiko und Sigi showed us their world, without embellishment but also without prejudices. To be able to integrate their authentic perspective in this story makes the film so much more than just about science, it is about ways for all of us to co-exist with nature on our planet to our benefit and to the benefit of nature.”
So here it is!
And there is something more!
While the days of filming where intense days of stepping into unknown territory, they were also incredibly rewarding and entertaining. Here are some “behind the scenes” moments…
