ERuDeF, US University Produce Films On Gorilla Conservation

Local environmental conservation NGO ERuDeF is working with the University of Colorado USA and Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) to produce a series of short wildlife films that will enhance the conservation of the Cross River Gorilla and its habitats in Cameroon and Nigeria.

Ndimuh Bertrand Shancho

Dubbed Gorilla Folk Films from the Cross River Delta, the wildlife film series, “made with and for folks in Nigeria and Cameroon” depicts the various threats gorillas and their habitats are faced with in Africa, and some pre-colonial and colonial practices that aided the conservation of wildlife and habitats in Cameroon and Nigeria

The first phase of this series shot with local communities adjacent to Cross River gorilla habitats in Nigeria and Cameroon, started in Nigeria with the production of the first draft of two short films; Obi and the Juju Forest and Conservation Education.

The second phase of the project, which started last August in Cameroon, has just been completed with the production of the first draft of Chop Gorilla shot in Mamfe, Manyu Division.

A PhD student, Adam P. Hermans, from the University of Colorado, is leading the team. He will oversee the production of the second and third films in Tofala in Lebialem Division, South West Region and Njikwa in the Northwest. 

According to Hermans, upon completion, the series will be screened in schools and communities in Cross River, Nigeria and Cameroon as a tool to foster sensitization efforts for the conservation of the Cross River gorilla and its habitat.

Meanwhile, plans are underway to continue making such folk films with many other communities for many other animals/wildlife species and conservation situations.