Erica Rugabandana (Tanzania’s filmmaker, cinematographer and conservationist) and Muneera Sallies (South Africa writer and director) are teaming up in tribute to the kings & queens of the jungle. As Women’s History Month comes to a close, Women and Hollywood can exclusively reveal that the pair are helming “Living with Lions” (“Kuishi na Simba”), a Curiosity original documentary.
“Most of the stories we know about the Serengeti have been told through the lens, prism, and experience of white, male filmmakers, novelists, and creators,” a synopsis for the project details. “‘Living With Lions’ institutes a new tradition, presenting this world-famous wildlife sanctum from an African perspective. These two female voices shine an inimitable light on the Serengeti from the inside.”
Currently in production, the film “tells the story of a struggle between a lion pride and the Rugari family. Two sister lionesses Ketty and Lucia, desperate to feed their cubs, begin stalking the family’s goats. Omosoka, the patriarch, wants to poison the pride that are threatening his livelihood. Nyanji, his daughter, will do everything she can to save the lions. The ensuing story proves both heartbreaking and triumphant.”
“As a conservationist and cinematographer, I am excited to tell a powerful story which I hope will bring home the importance of wildlife conservation in Tanzania,” said Rugabandana. “Lions play a crucial role in the Serengeti ecosystem, but peoples’ livelihoods matter too. In Tanzania’s Serengeti as well as other parts of Tanzania, the interests of both humans and animals collide. We cannot find a solution to conflict between humans and wildlife. We must all work together. I want to show what is at stake in ‘Living with Lions.’”
Source: Women And Hollywood