Fiona N. Tande | The Explorers Club 50

Savannah elephants in Mara Author: Fiona Tande

Wildlife Filmmaker

Lights, Camera, Conservation in Kenya’s Pridelands

meet fiona

Fiona Tande, a Kenyan wildlife filmmaker, has been pivotal in advancing wildlife conservation through storytelling. Specializing in production coordination and research, Fiona has significantly contributed to elevating the status of local filmmakers. Her work involves close interaction with communities like the Maasai and Samburu, raising conservation awareness through education and outreach programs. A notable accomplishment is her founding of Africa’s first and only wildlife, conservation, nature, and environmental film festival, the Pridelands Wildlife Film Festival, and founding/co-organizing the inaugural Kenya Wild Film Summit. Her efforts in organizing media labs and contributing to Jackson Wild’s Action Coalitions highlight her dedication to promoting local talent through storytelling.

Lights, Camera, Conservation in Kenya’s Pridelands

Nominated by: Natalie Cash, FR'21

Class of 2024 Location Kenya

Follow fiona's work:

Balloon rides in the Mara Author: Fiona Tande

From the majestic landscapes of Kenya to the intricate stories of its wildlife, my journey as an explorer and filmmaker has been driven by a deep passion for conservation and a commitment to elevate local voices in environmental storytelling. My work with Pridelands Films and the Pridelands Wildlife Film Festival centers around this core mission: to bring wildlife conservation into the spotlight through compelling stories that resonate both locally and globally, while fostering local talent.

The impact of my work is twofold. Locally, it empowers communities, particularly in areas like the Maasai and Samburu regions, by educating and involving them in conservation efforts. This grassroots approach not only raises awareness but also builds a culture of stewardship towards our natural world. Globally, by showcasing these stories through film, we bridge the gap between local challenges and international audiences, highlighting our connection and the universal importance of conservation.

Pridelands Wildlife Film Festival Awards Author: Crispin Kihoro

“By nurturing local filmmaking talent and bringing their stories to a worldwide stage, we can inspire a broader commitment to preserving our planet’s biodiversity.”

- Fiona N. Tande

Ivory Burning ceremony Author: Noreen Muturo

Looking forward, my hope is to continue amplifying these vital narratives, making the Pridelands Wildlife Film Festival a global beacon for conservation storytelling. By nurturing local filmmaking talent and bringing their stories to a worldwide stage, we can inspire a broader commitment to preserving our planet’s biodiversity. In a world facing unprecedented environmental challenges, this work is not just important – it’s imperative. It’s a testament to the power of storytelling in shaping a sustainable future, where both wildlife and human communities thrive in harmony.