Akashinga: The Brave Ones

In 2020, National Geographic brought to the screen a compelling, true-life documentary titled "Akashinga: The Brave Ones" . The film is directed by Maria Wilhelm, whose career boasts of an impressive portfolio of non-fiction films centred on many pressing issues of our times. Produced by three-time Academy Award winner James Cameron, the power duo manages to capture the authenticity, intensity, and spirit of the central theme of Akashinga, presenting viewers the reality of Africa’s poaching crisis, and a promising solution.

The title "Akashinga" translates to 'the brave ones' in the Shona language. Carrying the essence of this translation, the film beautifully showcases the strength, resilience, and courage of an all-women anti-poaching ranger unit based in Zimbabwe. The title itself sets the tone for the film - a story of bravery, determination, and the unyielding spirit to protect and respect the living world.

Emphasizing the crucial ecological issue this world is facing - illegal wildlife trade and rampant poaching - "Akashinga: The Brave Ones" takes us on a journey to Zimbabwe's Lower Zambezi ecosystem, where the International Anti-Poaching Foundation is operating. Here, an all-female ranger unit is at the heart of the story. These women, emerging from disadvantageous backgrounds, are united by a common purpose - to protect Africa's most precious wildlife and restore balance to the Zambezi Valley ecosystem.

The protagonist of this inspiring tale is Petronella Chigumbura, a brave woman who finds her calling and empowerment in the job that not only feeds her family but also contributes to the protection of Africa's wildlife heritage for future generations. Furthermore, the film also offers a deeper look into the other team members' lives, their struggles and triumphs, and the profound impact their feat has had on their families, their communities, and women across the continent.

Through a vivid portrayal, Maria Wilhelm chronicles the riveting transformation of these women - from survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, abandoned wives, or single mothers struggling to feed their children - to becoming some of wildlife conservation's most effective fighters targeting the most dangerous poaching rings in Africa. The film underlines that empowerment not only stems from protecting wildlife but also from the economic and social stability it brings to these women, their families, and communities.

Embracing a unique conservation model, this all-female anti-poaching unit is placing the imperative role of community-driven conservation at the forefront. The Akashinga conservation model has managed to transform poaching landscapes into protective ones, leading to decreased poaching activities and an increase in African wildlife like elephants, cheetahs, and lions, under the vigilant watch of these brave women.

Among the highlights of the film is its extraordinary cinematography. The camerawork offers breathtaking, panoramic views of the Lower Zambezi Valley ecosystem. With a captivating soundtrack underscoring each swift movement of the team and highlighting the chilling beauty of African wilderness, the film's technical brilliance accentuates the raw and profound narrative.

"Akashinga: The Brave Ones" is a testimony to the power of women's leadership, their capabilities, and their strong communal and nurturing instincts, presenting a promising solution to conserving wildlife, which is an irreplaceable part of our world. It is an emotional yet empowering exploration of women's transformation and their courageous effort to protect their land's natural resources, preserving it for generations to come.

Beyond a gripping narrative of courage and strength, the film is an urgent call to action to bring worldwide attention to the grave issue of rampant poaching. The narrative urges the world to re-evaluate their perspectives, acknowledge the urgency of the crisis looming ahead, and participate, contribute, or support, in their own capacity, the global fight against the illegal wildlife trade. Defying gender-based stereotypes, the movie delivers a potent message to the world: the brave women of Africa are key in the fight for conservation.

Drawing attention to this remarkable and effective approach to conservation, "Akashinga: The Brave Ones" is not just a movie. It is a global message, an inspiration, an affirmation of the power and potential of women, and a tribute to their unwavering bravery and dedication.