We produce meaningful, story-driven, cinematic-documentary films about conservation at the intersection between people and wildlife. Based from Lusaka, Zambia and Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, we are centrally located for the region. To find out more about collaborating with us please visit www.therustymokoro.com or email matthew@therustymokoro.com

"Can one species help restore a landscape — and a culture?" Film synopsis: On the shores of the world-famous Lake Tanganyika in northern Zambia, lies Nsumbu: a recovering national park; a refuge for wildlife; and a bastion of ecological stability for the region. The surrounding area is also the cultural wellspring of the Tabwa people, whose Royal Family identifies as the “Clan of the Lions” — or, "Abashimba". But lions – Africa’s apex predator, and the Abashimba symbol – are missing from the landscape. A local conservation organisation, the Nsumbu Tanganyika Conservation Programme, spearheads the reintroduction. It is ecologically essential to return lions to Nsumbu, but their task is substantial. What does it take to return lions to Nsumbu and help restore an ecosystem? Will the local community truly welcome Africa’s top predator back into their homeland? Can the return of a species restore cultural ties to a landscape? Abashimba goes behind the scenes to explore the inextricable link between people and landscapes. It explores the complexities involved in implementing conservation across large complex landscapes, and examines what role cultural heritage can play in the restoration and preservation of biodiversity. ________________________________________________________________________ *This film is currently in production and looking for funding. For more information please contact matthew@therustymokoro.com or mana@therustymokoro.com ________________________________________________________________________ Production // The Rusty Mokoro Script and Director // Mana Meadows and Matthew Blair  DOP // Matthew Blair  Additional Cinematography // Richard Watson, Samson Moyo and Mana Meadows  Edit // Matthew Blair & Richard Watson Sound design & Colourist // Richard Watson (Obscura Films) In collaboration with Frankfurt Zoological Society, Nsumbu-Tanganyika Conservation Programme, Zambian Carnivore Programme and North Luangwa Conservation Programme. ________________________________________________________________________ You can learn more and follow the story on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therustymokoro/ ________________________________________________________________________

The Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award This award gives international recognition to the dedication and commitment of an individual who works in the field to protect Africa’s wildlife. The award is being sponsored by the Nick Maughan Foundation. The winner receives a grant of £30,000 towards their work. -- Find out more about Jealous: https://www.tuskawards.com/jealous-mp... -- DOP: Matthew Blair Cinematography: Matthew Blair & Richard Watson Edit: Fortemus Films and Maia Films 2023

Simon Parker spends time in the field with Zambian Carnivore Programme’s newest recruit, Lucky Charmer. He investigates how, alongside international organisations such as Tusk, this important conservation initiative helps to protect Liuwa Plains apex predators, which in turn has a positive impact on the entire local ecosystem. On assignment for Journeysmiths (www.journeysmiths.co.uk) Zambezi Expedition Written and presented by: Simon Parker @SimonWIParker for the TelegraphTravel Filmed and edited by: Matt Blair (www.therustymokoro.com) Featuring: Zambian Carnivore Programme (www.zambiacarnivores.org)

The Rhino Recovery Fund's goal is to protect rhinos from wildlife crime and to restore their landscapes, improving the health of rhino populations and benefiting local people.

Simon Parker witnesses the rebirth of Mozambique’s Gorongosa National Park. Its wildlife was decimated during a 15-year civil war but thanks to targeted conservation initiatives the park is now seen as one of Africa’ greatest wildlife success stories. On assignment for Journeysmiths (www.journeysmiths.co.uk) Zambezi Expedition Written and presented by: Simon Parker @SimonWIParker for the TelegraphTravel Filmed and edited by: Matt Blair (www.therustymokoro.com) Featuring: Zambian Carnivore Programme (www.zambiacarnivores.org)