The battle for our world’s last nature strongholds has begun

Don’t miss the four-part Wild Zambezi series on the big screen; tickets at R50 per episode.

The mighty Zambezi River, the fourth largest river in Africa, plays host to an incredible four-part documentary series titled Wild Zambezi. Celebrating Environment Month in June, the docu-series will screen exclusively at select Ster-Kinekor cinemas around the country, with the first episode releasing on 09 and 11 June. And, the best part is that the price of the movie ticket for each episode is just R50.00.

Each episode will have two screening days – on Sunday and Tuesday at 12:00; 14:30; 17:00 and 19:30 – at the following Ster-Kinekor sites:

• Rosebank Nouveau (Johannesburg)
• Brooklyn (Pretoria)
• I’Langa (Mbombela)
• V&A Waterfront (Western Cape)
• Somerset Mall (Western Cape)
• Tygervalley (Western Cape)
• Maerua Mall (Windhoek, Namibia)
• Manda Hill (Lusaka, Zambia – tickets are 75 Kwacha))

Produced by Greater Good Productions Ltd and narrated by the esteemed author, director, playwright, actor and long-time conservationist Dr John Kani, Wild Zambezi is about making a stand and truly protecting the last precious wilderness strongholds on this planet, which are currently under serious threat.

The battle of economic development versus the protection of the natural world is a conflict that has been raging for decades. As the human population rapidly expands, so does the urgency to protect Africa’s and indeed, the world’s unique and most diverse ecosystems.

In the heart of Zambia lies the lesser-known gem, Lower Zambezi National Park, a pristine protected wilderness battling against the relentless encroachment of mankind. This struggle mirrors the existential crisis gripping our planet’s most fragile ecosystems. Spanning 4,092 square kilometres along the Zambezi River, the park faces its greatest threat yet: an open-cast copper mine in the heart of the park, approved by Zambia’s Environmental Agency.

Wild Zambezi ventures into the park’s vibrant tapestry of life, intertwining its rich biodiversity with Zambia’s history. The series deals with themes such as truly protecting the last protected wilderness areas on the planet, climate change, community livelihoods, animal and human coexistence, ecotourism and conservation.

Wild Zambezi episode screenings are as follows:

Episode 1 – Everything is Connected (9 & 11 June)
Along the banks of the Mighty Zambezi River, lies one of Zambia’s most precious gems: The Lower Zambezi National Park. Home to hundreds of thriving bird, fish and wildlife species. But as economic pressure in the region grows, so does the pressure on Zambia’s natural resources. Ecologist David Ngwenyama has been on a mission to save this wild haven from the biggest threat in its history. Uncover the cultural and spiritual past of the Lower Zambezi, delve into Zambia’s founding father’s commitment to preserve its diverse natural heritage, and follow one man’s 10-year battle to save it all. A riveting episode of how the park came into being, and a relentless quest to protect this unique and fragile ecosystem.

Episode 2 – Protectors of The Park (16 & 18 June)
Huge strides have been made by those who have dedicated their lives to reducing poaching and growing the Lower Zambezi National Park’s wildlife and elephant populations, creating a thriving eco-tourism industry that stretches beyond the park’s unfenced borders. Increased local community engagement is necessary to create an environment in which humans and wildlife can coexist sustainably. This episode uncovers the symbiotic dance of conservation and ecotourism, illustrating how this intricate partnership not only safeguards wildlife but also sustains human livelihoods. Wild Zambezi. The battle for our world’s last nature strongholds has begun.

Episode 3 – The Changing Climate (23 & 25 June)
This episode explores communities living on the northern border of the Lower Zambezi National Park who are facing food insecurity due to climate change and turning to deforestation. A carbon credit project offers a solution to break this destructive cycle and provide alternative livelihoods. Protecting transfrontier corridors that are crucial in safeguarding ancient wildlife migration routes. But a mine in the Lower Zambezi National Park will most certainly put more pressure on the wildlife’s ability to seasonally migrate. Discover how to protect these last wildlife legacy landscapes and the corridors that so many species rely on.

Episode 4 – David & Goliath (30 June & 02 July)
Understanding the struggle of impoverished communities to the East of the Lower Zambezi National Park, it is easy to see why a mining project in the area would bring hope. Delving deeper into the Kangaluwi Copper mine, we look at its viability, potential environmental impacts, and how they got their mining license and environmental impact approval. As suspicions arise about the mining company’s motives, this episode reflects on ongoing efforts by conservationists, to improve the lives of those around the park. David Ngwenyama faces personal consequences, due to his involvement to try and stop the mine. Join him on his first and last visit to the park as he reflects on the severity of the situation. What precedent will this mine set for protected areas in Zambia, and Africa as a whole? There is still time to stop the mine.

Watch the trailer here

Book your R50 ticket for each of the four Wild Zambia episodes now at www.sterkinekor.com or download the SK App on your smartphone. For news and updates, go to Facebook: Ster-Kinekor Theatres | follow Ster-Kinekor on Twitter: @Ster-Kinekor. For all queries, call Ticketline on 0861-Movies (668 437).

#DoMoviesRight #SterKinekor #SupportLocal #WildZambia #JohnKani

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Author: Janet de Kretser from aHead Public Relations on behalf of Ster-Kinekor.

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