Zimbabwe In The Wild – a first-of-its-kind documentary

We’ve already raised £6,600 of our £14,000 budget to make this first-of-its-kind feature documentary on wildlife and conservation in Zimbabwe - now we need your help to cross the finish line. With £7,400 more, we can complete the film and share Zimbabwe’s untold stories with the world.

For a taste of the film's spirit, please watch our short video:

Hi, I’m Ellie. I’m running this campaign page on behalf of filmmaker Nigel Lozane, founder of Bhundu Creatives.

Nigel's vision:

Zimbabwe in the Wild is Zimbabwe’s first locally produced wildlife and cultural documentary - a first-of-its-kind project that puts local voices and its extraordinary landscapes at the centre. Through this film, I want to capture the beauty of the land, its iconic wildlife, the conservationists whose work often goes unnoticed, and the communities that thrive alongside its wild spaces. At its core, the film explores culture, identity, and the deep human–nature connection at Zimbabwe’s heart.

As a filmmaker and visual storyteller, I have spent years documenting people, places, and moments that matter - but nothing has called to me quite like the urgent need to showcase Zimbabwe’s wildlife and the unsung heroes behind its survival. I want to give their stories the space and visibility they deserve.

From the mighty elephants of Hwange to the lesser-known Eastern Highlands, from endangered painted dogs to the young people hoping to train as park rangers, this film will take audiences on an immersive journey through Zimbabwe’s wild heart.

But beyond the beauty, it will confront the real issues: poaching, human-wildlife conflict, climate change, and the inspiring efforts of rangers, conservationists, and local communities striving to make a difference.

Team:

Nigel Lozane

Nigel Lozane is a Zimbabwean filmmaker and visionary storyteller passionate about showcasing African narratives with dignity and power. His mission is to shift perceptions of Zimbabwe, promote conservation, and amplify local culture for a global audience. He has worked with global platforms and incredible causes including NatGeo, the UN, Connected Planet, the WHO, BBC Earth, and DisneyPlus. Nigel is also the founder of Bhundu Creatives, a production company dedicated to telling authentic African stories: Bhundu Creatives.

Nigel will be joined by a small, experienced local crew of three, all equally committed to bringing these stories to life.

Financing:

We’re looking to raise £7,400 (≈ $10,000 USD) to complete Zimbabwe in the Wild. Thanks to private investors, we’ve already managed to secure $9,000 USD (≈ £6,600), as well as some in-kind resources, which means our crew can begin filming on location in September.

This campaign will provide the remaining budget needed to finish the film, covering the essential production and post-production costs that are not yet funded.

We previously tried fundraising on Indiegogo, but those campaigns only released funds if the full target was met, and their flexible option came with higher fees. However, now that we're using GoFundMe, every donation here goes directly into the project with lower costs, meaning more of your support reaches the film itself.

This campaign is hosted in GBP because it is being run from the UK, with all funds transferred directly to Nigel and his crew on the ground. Running it in GBP avoids extra currency conversion fees, ensuring every pound stretches further for the film.

We’ve also listed this under the ‘Creative’ category, since this is a documentary film project, though at its heart it’s a story of conservation and community impact, led by a passionate Zimbabwean filmmaker.

Budget breakdown:

Total budget: £14,000 (≈ £19,000 USD)

Already secured: £6,600 (≈ $9,000 USD) from private investors + in-kind resources

Still needed (this campaign): £7,400 (≈ $10,000 USD)

We've already covered:

• Camera & filming gear

• Drone equipment

• Travel fund (initial shoot)

• Editing software & studio access

• Local crew network (voluntary rates)

What this campaign will cover:

• Additional travel & transport £1,480 (≈ $2,000 USD)

• Crew salaries & stipends £1,480 (≈ $2,000 USD)

• Accommodation for 30 days not covered in-kind £1,110 (≈ $1,500 USD)

• Backup gear £1,110 (≈ $1,500 USD)

• Permits & national park fees £518 (≈ $700 USD)

• Food & miscellaneous £592 (≈ $800 USD)

• Post-production £888 (≈ $1,200 USD)

• Contingency £222 (≈ $300 USD)

What your contributions will support:

• Travel and logistics for a small, agile crew

• On-the-ground safety: park rangers and professional risk management

• Local talent and translators

• Post-production editing, sound, colour grading, and scoring

Impact:

Zimbabwe is on the frontline of conservation. From rewilding cheetahs and rhinos to community-led anti-poaching patrols, the country holds extraordinary stories of resilience that the world rarely gets to hear. This film also shines a light on Zimbabwe’s breathtaking landscapes and tourism potential - showing the world why these places matter not only for wildlife, but for the people whose livelihoods depend on them.

By supporting Zimbabwe in the Wild, you’re not just funding a film, you’re helping carry these stories to the global stage.

Your donation means:

-- Raising awareness about endangered wildlife, from painted dogs to elephants, and the urgent threats they face.

-- Supporting local conservation heroes: rangers, researchers, and communities working tirelessly on the ground.

-- Giving a platform to communities living alongside wildlife, whose perspectives are vital but often overlooked.

-- Building international attention and pressure that can influence NGOs, funders, and governments to act.

Risks & challenges:

Filming in Zimbabwe comes with real challenges, from camping overnight in the bush and working closely around wild animals, to navigating challenging conditions and remote locations. To keep our crew safe, we’re working with the Zimbabwe Parks & Wildlife Management Authority, who will provide rangers while we film in their reserves, as well as a professional safety company overseeing all aspects of risk management. Thanks to funding already secured and strong community partnerships, the project is ready to move forward - and with your support, we can complete the film and share these stories with the world.

On community:

Please feel free to join live updates via our community channel on Instagram.

This documentary is more than a celebration of Zimbabwe's wild beauty - it's a chance to share its untold conservation stories with the world, and a call to help secure its wild heart for the future.