Nat Geo, James Cameron team up on doc

Akashinga: The Brave Ones follows an all-female anti-poaching unit in Zimbabwe

National Geographic Documentary Films has joined up with three-time Oscar winner James Cameron to develop the new short documentary Akashinga: The Brave Ones.

The factual title tells the story of the Akashinga, an all-female anti-poaching unit in Zimbabwe that is facing down poachers and saving wildlife.

The team of rangers, drawn from the abused and marginalised, is revolutionizing the way animals are protected and communities are empowered while its members’ own lives are being transformed.

Akashinga: The Brave Ones is executive produced by Cameron with Maria Wilhelm directing. Kim Butts and Drew Pulley serve as producers alongside Wilhelm.

The documentary short will premiere virtually next week at the EarthxFilm festival, which celebrates the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. The documentary is also set to air on National Geographic later this year in 171 countries and 43 languages.

Cameron said: “While we battle with an increasingly powerful viral enemy, the poaching wars rage on. The Akashinga are frontline warriors – fiercely committed to protecting Africa’s most vulnerable species and to securing a positive future for their communities. They fight to ensure nature wins.”

Wilhelm added: “At a time when we need to be brave, the proud and courageous women of Akashinga have lessons to teach us all, about the unique power of sisterhood, the importance of collaboration and the essential nature of community. The question is whether we’re willing to learn the lessons they have to teach.”

Last November, National Geographic Documentary Films released its first documentary shorts, which included Lost & Found and The Nightcrawlers.