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Documentary Film Proposal A Campaign to save Indonesia’s Most Endangered Animal Species Using Environmental Education Films.
Introduction Indonesia’s rainforests are a global treasure of biodiversity: they contain between 10 to 15 percent of the world’s species of mammals, birds, amphibians, and flowering plants. Many of these species are now on the endangered list, some threatened with extinction in the near future.
Ujung Kulon
JAVAN RHINO EPISODE
CONCEPT & SYNOPSIS CHILDREN VERSION Rizal lives in Taman Jaya, a small village at the job is in preserving the survival of the Javan Rhino entrance of Ujung Kulon. The local people there are and other wildlife of the area. farmers and fishermen. As a member of the next generations, he introduces Because he is the son of a ranger, Rizal is very familiar the Javan Rhino Sanctuary Project, a new initiative with the forest of Ujung Kulon. When he doesn’t go to that will give this very endangered mammal better school, he often follows his father on patrols inside chances to survive in the future. the park. With him we discover the home of the Javan Rhino, and also the other animals and plants to be found in this remote and fascinating place. Rizal understands that this unique place faces numerous threats. As a park ranger, his father must prevent poaching of wild animals, including Rhinos, destruction of the habitats and other disturbances. He explains how challenging and important his father’s
GENERAL VERSION The Ujung Kulon National Park consists of a narrow peninsula at the Western tip of Java. Pak Widodo knows Ujung Kulon very well. He explains how the Krakatau volcano, Tigers and malaria helped to preserve this area from humans and, as a result, save the Javan Rhino from extinction. Today between 50 and 60 Javan Rhinos survive there, mostly in the impenetrable swampy forest along the South cost and along the inland rivers. We enter the Cikeusik river, using a boat powered by a silent electric engine. We are able to make several encounters with this elusive animal. It’s a unique chance to observe the most endangered big mammal on Earth. It’s a bit like observing a dinosaur... On board, Pak Widodo explains the Javan Rhino’s behavior, its habitat and its chances of survival. The island of Java was once a treasure house of biodiversity. Today some unique and diverse wildlife still remain in the Ujung Kulon forest. Beside the Rhinos, many other species share the various habitats: mammals such as Banteng, Deer, Wild Dogs and Javan Leopards; birds such as green Peacocks, Hornbills and Kingfishers; reptiles such as King Cobras and Crocodiles; and many other animals’ species rarely seen before. In the last sequence, Pak Widodo explains that because the Javan Rhino population is not increasing and that the survival of the species is threatened by dangers such as natural catastrophes and epidemics, a conservation strategy is being implemented by the Department of Forestry and YABI (The Indonesian Rhinos Foundation).
POLICY VERSION Because of its isolation, Ujung Kulon has withstood the changes of time but a lot of challenges remain. Development of the region, an increasing population and improved communications are making this important conservation area more vulnerable. The park is the last refuge of the highly endangered Javan Rhino: there are only between 50 and 60 still left and their population is not increasing. Experts anticipate that if nothing is done, the Javan Rhino could become extinct. Interviews of Rhino experts introducing the idea of creating the Javan Rhino Sanctuary to extend and improve its habitat. The work has already started and Pak Widodo from YABI explains how a 20km fence will protect the Rhinos and allow better management of its habitat. The cooperation of the local population living around the park is important. Different strategies are being developed to win their support. The development of ecotourism and the local manpower needed to build and maintain the Javan Rhino Sanctuary will give a boost to the local economy. Interviews of the local people about what they think about this project will allow for a better understanding of their position.
OBJECTIVES Alain Compost has already produced three awareness films on some of the most endangered big mammals of Indonesia, “ORANGUTAN”, “BABIRUSA” and “ELEPHANT”. Those films are regularly used by several NGOs in their awareness programs, and DVDs have widely been distributed to schools, conservation organizations, Government institutions and villages close to Conservation hot spots. To continue the series, Mawas Pictures and Yabi (Yayasan Badak Indonesia) are proposing a new episode: “JAVAN RHINO”. Because YABI is involved in the development of the Javan Rhino sanctuary in Ujung Kulon, this film is much needed to inform the local population about this new initiative and win its support. Many of the villagers living around Ujung Kulon have never seen Javan Rhinos and are not aware of the importance of protecting it and preserving its habitat. This film is also aimed at making them more respectful toward Nature and helping them understand that they can benefit from this project in the present as well as in the future.
PRODUCTION Each film will be produced in three ten-minute versions aimed at three different audiences: the general public, young people, and policy makers. With an eye to maintaining continuity for eventual expansion of the series and broadcasting, each episode will be branded and follow similar formats. These are: A Child’s Perspective These versions will introduce children to wildlife conservation issues by taking the viewers on a tour of the animal’s “home”, showing the daily routine of an individual animal and explaining the function of the other flora and fauna in that particular ecosystem. Hosted by a pre-teen (approx. 12 years old) using informal language familiar to the target audience, the film will show how any disruption of the ecosystem will probably result in the extinction of the animal.
Format: Educational with interviews Target Audience: Primary schoolchildren Duration: 10 minutes
Threatened Habitats, Endangered Species The versions intended for viewing by the general public will mix information and entertainment, using dramatic footage of animals striving to cope with a changing environment. As these films will focus on rare and exotic species, they can be used for eco-tourism promotion.
Format: Classic film documentary, with maps and animations Target Audience: General public Duration: 10 minutes
A Case for Conservation These films, intended specifically for viewing by policy makers, will present the case for safeguarding biodiversity and protecting wildlife habitats though expert analysis and opinion. In all cases the films will propose workable solutions which can be examined and discussed by relevant policy makers.
Format: Journalistic, with expert analysis and proposed solutions Target Audience: National and regional legislators and government Duration: 10 minutes
DISTRIBUTION The “JAVAN RHINO” episode will first be shown around all the villages in the Ujung Kulon National Park, with the help of local NGOs and the Banten Province local government education units. The film will also be made available for national and regional TV Channels. Like the receding episodes, 1000 or more DVD copies will be made and distributed for free to schools, target groups and decision makers.
CONCLUSION The production of these educational films is expected to become a model for disseminating information about the importance of protecting and conserving Indonesia’s wildlife in a manner that is simple and accessible without being strident or condescending. Stakeholders, especially people living near conservation areas, will benefit from increased awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation. Parties supporting the production of these films will also benefit, as the films will demonstrate their commitment to environmental and wildlife conservation.
BUDGET BREAK DOWN * Pre shoot / Prep Includes transport to Ujung Kulon, food and accommodations, Video / photo equipment and Alain Compost’s fees. US$ 1,500 * Shooting 15 Days - Alain Compost & Crew US$ 500/day
US$
8,250
* Travel and accommodations - Boat, Car - Hotel, Food and other accommodations - 15 Porters to Cikeusik Camp - Food and Camp 15 Days - Local Rhino Guide - Porter and Cook
US$ US$ US$ US$ US$ US$
900 500 700 1,000 600 400
* Equipment - Speed boat/ engine/ electric engine - Filming Equipment Include 2 Full HD Cam, Tripods lenses, settings for field studio * Post Production - Editing - Writing - Talents (English, Indonesian) - Music - Studio - DVD Art work - 1000 X DVD (Including censorship)
US$ 600 US$ 150/day US$
2,400
US$ US$ US$ US$ US$ US$ US$
8,500 2,200 500 1,100 1,100 400 2,400
Total: US$ 33,050