Susan Scott and Bonné De Bod of Scott & De Bod Films are two passionate filmmakers based in South Africa. Susan and Bonné joined forces to bring to life their critically acclaimed documentary STROOP – journey into the rhino horn war. What started as a six-month project turned into a four-year filming odyssey as Susan and Bonné peeled back the complex layers of the rhino poaching trade, realising the scale and danger was far greater than they first imagined.
STROOP has since been officially selected for 40 film festivals, won 30 awards and has been broadcast and streamed in nearly 100 countries around the globe. We talk with Susan and Bonné about the blood, sweat and tears that went into bringing this powerful story to the world, learning the fascinating backstory behind the documentary. We touch on why rhino (and all wildlife) conservation should matter to everyone – in the words of these two incredible ladies; when we stand up, when we speak up, change can happen.
In this episode we discuss:
• Susan and Bonné’s respective backgrounds
• An overview of the concerning rhino poaching statistics in South Africa
• The multiple drivers of rhino poaching, following the trail from Africa to Asia
• The potential strategies and reforms that could lead to poaching reductions
• Dangers involved in documentary filmmaking – it’s more than meets the eye
• The importance of remaining independent as filmmakers and journalists
• Doing your homework to ensure financial support goes to credible organisations
• Susan and Bonné’s latest documentary Kingdoms of Fire, Ice & Fairy Tales, and future projects
• And so much more!
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