31 May The Grand African Green Up
The Grand African Green Up
To Premiere on National Geographic this World Environment Day Weekend.
The documentary depicts 100 million hectares of land restored across Africa.
It premieres on both National Geographic (channel 220) and National Geographic Wild (channel 221) on Friday 4 June at 6 PM), with a repeat on 5 June at 6:10 PM on National Geographic, The Grand African Green Up profiles the mission of the AFR100, as they strive to restore at least 100 million hectares of land by 2030. The documentary showcases the on-the-ground work in Kenya, Tanzania, Madagascar, Ghana and Senegal. This documentary features poetic narration by the iconic Kenyan environmentalist and activist Wanjira Mathai, with breath-taking visuals of Africa’s most awe-inspiring landscapes and vistas, all set to a rousing soundtrack.
Deforested and degraded landscapes are a vital environmental issue facing the continent. The Grand African Green Up introduces the people directly affected and the local heroes working to make a difference. Interviewees from across the documented countries showcased include a singer, a bishop, a student researcher, an environmentalist and a journalist. They give their first-hand perspective on how this issue has impacted them and their communities. They also talk of restoring productivity to the land and what the future holds as a result.
The Grand African Green Up is directed by Safi Graauw and produced as a collaboration between AFR100 and Justdiggit. Justdiggit is an organisation that aims to restore nature and to become the illuminating light of nature-based solutions.
“Something always happens when you tell a story of our continent. What’s so amazing about this documentary is you’re in a place where no competition exists because there is space for anyone willing to contribute to the African Restoration Movement. The documentary film made us realise just how precious Africa’s landscapes are. It refuels us to do more.”
~ Mamadou Diakhite
Acting Head of Environmental Sustainability at AFR100
“This is only the beginning. We at Justdiggit believe that the true power of regreening lies in powerful storytelling which brings people and organisations to join forces to reverse climate change. By combining simple techniques, strong communication and mobile technology is where the magic of regreening happens. By applying this approach, we can potentially scale beyond sub-Sharan Africa within the coming 10 years.”
~ Wessel van Eeden
Global Marketing Director at Justdiggit
“The Grand African Green Up is a perfect complement to Planet Possible’s call to action, and we hope that this television event will not only enlighten our viewers, but also inspire them in their own personal discovery of ways they can help make a difference. The film is authentically African, celebrating incredible work being done on the continent and is a wonderful showcase and message, exquisitely told and thoughtfully produced.”
~ Evert van der Veer
Vice President, Media Networks, The Walt Disney Company Africa
Launched in April on Earth Day, Planet Possible is National Geographic’s new multi-platform, a multi-year initiative aimed at empowering people to live more lightly on the planet. As the world begins to emerge from the pandemic, Planet Possible aims to empower its viewers. Informing and encourage them to build on the scientific and environmental gains of the past year. Through content, products and experiences aimed at enabling people to discover what they can do to help. To understand the threats to our planet and to imagine new possibilities.
The Grand African Green Up premieres on National Geographic (channel 220) and National Geographic Wild (channel 221) on Friday, 4 June at 6 PM. It will repeat on Saturday 5 June at 6:10 PM on National Geographic.
Friday at 6 PM on National Geographic (ch 220) and National Geographic Wild (ch 221) June 4th.
Also on Saturday at 6:10 PM on National Geographic (ch 220) June 5th.
Author: Jenny Griesel (Jenny Griesel Communications)
Editor: Jan Hendrik Harmse