Behind the conservation lens | Jens Schneider

Jens’ journey to conservation filmmaking is entwined with his lifelong search for meaning and purpose.

He studied communication science, majoring in TV advertising, but he went on to film significant news events such as Namibia’s independence process. Jens says he has been looking for “meaning, rather than ease” over the years.

He completed various pieces in the Namibian wild before the Covid-19 lockdowns rolled in and also brought filmmaking to a halt. Against that background Ultimate Safaris approached him about applying his time and filmmaking expertise to the Covid Chronicles – a seven-month pro bono project to help keep the local guides sharp and earning a salary while tourism was restricted.

Through this project Jens came to see the value of indigenous knowledge and the communities who protect our environment while living in conflict with wildlife. He says he found his passion right there and then. ”Reality struck and now this is the only thing I want to do.”

Bringing this content to OneAfrica makes sense. The channel is focused on high quality local content and, in Jens’ words, is “filled with meaning”. Having Wild Namibia on OneAfrica introduces viewers to the grassroots level people engaged in conservation, Jens says. People like Ou White, a 75-year-old tracker featured in episode 8, who tracks rhinos at night.

“It’s crucial to reach a larger audience and make people aware of what is happening on our front porch”, Jens says. “Namibian documentaries should be made by Namibians because we are responsible for our land.”

Having Wild Namibia on OneAfrica is also a means of enticing Namibian corporates to take on the challenge and support the conservation efforts.

Don’t miss the latest episode of this beautiful docu-series on OneAfrica on Sundays at 18h00. Missed your favourite episode? Watch OneAfrica anytime anywhere on www.oneafrica.tv

Catch News on One every weekday at 19:00 on OneAfrica.

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