We are thrilled to announce that our short film "Portrait of a Ranger: Connie," won the Special Jury Award at this year’s Pridelands Wildlife Film Festival (PWFF). PWFF is Africa’s premier wildlife, conservation, nature and environmental film festival.
Wildlife Works’ film features Constance Mwandaa, who became one of the first female rangers at the Kasigau Corridor REDD+ project after following her childhood passion in conservation. Since she joined the team at Wildlife Works, she has helped pave the way for more female rangers, and is one of ten women on a growing team of over 100 rangers. Together, they are transforming what it means to be a ranger.
“Connie's unwavering dedication to safeguarding the environment and her role as a trailblazer for female rangers were compellingly depicted. Through masterfully crafted cinematography and nuanced glimpses into Connie's impactful work, 'Portrait of a Ranger' distinguished itself, earning its place as an award-worthy gem.” - Sarah-Jane Walsh, Blue Chip Natural History Director and Judge at PWFF
Key themes covered in this film:
Breaking gender barriers and empowering women in traditionally male-dominated roles like wildlife conservation.
The transformative impact that women can have as leaders, role models, and agents of change within their communities when given opportunities.
Promoting sustainable conservation efforts that involve and benefit local communities through job creation, education, and addressing socioeconomic challenges.
At the Kasigau Corridor REDD+ in Kenya, Wildlife Works rangers help protect endangered species by monitoring wildlife populations, preventing illegal activities such as unsustainable deforestation and poaching, resolving human-wildlife conflict, and spreading positive information about conservation.
Female rangers across the world are not only protecting wildlife: they’re educators, role models and beacons of hope in their communities and are changing attitudes towards the role of women. Constance’s journey as a pioneering female ranger showcases the transformative power of breaking gender barriers in conservation, fostering a future where women rangers drive positive change in wildlife protection and societal attitudes.
"It is truly an honour to receive this special jury award as a female ranger. I am incredibly grateful for the recognition and appreciate the acknowledgement of the significant contributions of women in the field of conservation and protection of our natural resources. I am proud of being a ranger." - Constance Mwandaa
Watch Connie's story here:
This film was made by Leo Plunkett and Jane Okoth.
