Update: Thank you to everyone who has donated and shared. The campaign has reached wonderful institutions and brought forth amazing opportunities! So if you can't sponsor, share! Thank you for making it all happen!
OUR GOAL
We are dedicated to environmental issues, especially in Southern Africa but also worldwide.
In Southern Africa, poaching and illegal wildlife trade are on the rise, and we are seeing, more than ever, animals being ruthlessly tortured and killed for horn, ivory, scale, paws, teeth and meat. Even animals highly endangered and protected under law are no longer safe.
The problem does not rest with the actual poachers. The problem source is the demand for these items considered valuable as ornaments, carvings, delicacies or imagined properties. The source of the problem lies with the people who want it and who are unwilling to hear the facts. As long as there is a demand and money behind it, poaching will continue.
Our goal is to reach that to that point of demand: the very source of the problem through feature film, which provides the facts and statistics of what is happening behind the curtains but through story-telling, emotional attachment, action, adventure and love.
THE STORY
Veterinary Doctor Martin Nel works to save and rehabilitate rhino that have survived poaching attempts. The work tears his family apart and brings in more emotional trauma when his hand-raised rhino is brutally poached on the family farm.
With the justice system giving no backup nor comfort, Martin takes it upon himself to track down the poachers and who they work for. As he gets drawn in, even friends become dangerous enemies. Who can he trust?
Soon Martin realizes he is not only fighting for his own survival, but also for the survival of rhino and his last chance for happiness.
THE IMPACT
The film is targeted for worldwide viewers, but mostly aimed at the countries where poached items end up due to the demand. We hope to get the film shown in high schools within these countries for the future generations to understand that it is not only illegal to purchase these items, but also morally corrupt.
Profits of the film are to be distributed to organisations who work to save rhino. Already in Namibia ISAP has come on board and will feature in the film as they are. See their work at: http://isap.com.na
In Namibia, local tradesmen and schools are getting involved with the project in order to help save the legacy of the country and give a chance for future generations to witness exotic creatures in their natural habitats.
THE TEAM
CREW
Nicoline Louw
Creator/Writer/Co-Producer/Co-Director
The Namibian/Belgium is author of six international published titles, has received five stars on Amazon Review and was reviewed by the USA Writer’s Digest. She first got involved in Film in 2012 when she wrote, produced and directed the local film “Light Bulb” over a one year period. Her current projects are “The Trader’s List” and the dark fantasy series based on her novels.
Jon-Luke Lourens
Director
Jon-Luke was born in Johannesburg, South Africa. He has worked extensively on film shoots both in South Africa and around the world. His work as an Assistant Director has afforded him the opportunity to work with many film makers from various backgrounds and disciplines.
He is a fluent operator of Final Draft (Script Writing Program), Movie Magic (Feature Film Scheduling Program), Adobe Premiere (Film Editing Software), Davinci Resolve (Film Grading Program) and Lightroom (Photography Editing Program)
Severiano Willemse
Creator/Writer/Producer
Namibian born, Severiano obtained his bachelors degree in management and accounting, Severiano was employed in the financial industry and working as a manager at non-profit organizations since 2009. Severiano is also part-time writer and has written and producer three stage events and is co-writer on ‘The Trader’s List’. He co-produced his first feature film, ‘Light Bulb’ in 2013.
Johan Horjus
DOP (Director of Photography)
Johan Horjus has 23 years experience of studying storytelling through cinematography. He has worked on more that 100 commercials as a high-speed operator, around 40 as camera technician, 6 International Television Series, 6 International documentaries. Also 7 international feature films for Universal Pictures, 20th Century Fox, Showtime and Starz entertainment as a camera operator. Eventually leading to Director of Photography on Scorpion King (Second unit).He has also proved to be the most successful cinematographer in South Africa specializing in miniature and stop motion projects
CAST
Nico Panagio as "Dr. Martin Nel"
Michelle Aldana as "Arisa"
"Chops" Tshoopara as "Dean"
Peter L.Peter as "Veterinary assistant Mattheus"
GET INVOLVED
For the protection of their animals, many private rhino owners do not want international publicity. Filming rhino in reserves require high charges and police as well as government escort. Sanctuaries and special units are in desperate need of publicity to promote their work.
All contributions go into production to pay cast, crew, equipment and locations. The film will be screened for education while profit of the film is distributed to wildlife sanctuaries.
Rewards vary from a link to the film upon release, to merchandise, such as posters, caps, jewelry, DVD and DVD packs which include: DVD, hand-carved Makalani seed, t-shirt, cap, postcard, bracelet and a signed poster. Higher prizes include tickets to the premier closest to you and even a stay at a wildlife resort in Namibia or South Africa.
All actors, locations, props and organisations are in place and ready to go. All that lacks are the final funds. Our estimated delivery date: March 2020.