Quotes from Wild Talk Africa 2009

“I enjoyed the Festival tremendously. There was a terrific buzz around - a real passion for storytelling and celebrating the natural world. The workshops were energetic and informative, with some stimulating discussions - I just wish I'd had time to get to all of them! It was a feel-good festival, with a real sense of everyone feeling fully involved and engaged.” Mary Summerill, Series Producer, BBC NHU

“Well done to the Wild Talk team. I feel the festival has grown into one of the world’s key media events and has helped establish Africa as not only a wonderful location but a major business portal for the documentary industry. We look forward to supporting the festival in the future.” Damon Foster, Foster Brother Film Productions

“Wild Talk was a great venue to meet the cream of African producers in a relaxed but business like environment. “ Carl Hall, CEO, Parthenon

“This year's Wild Talk was everything I had hoped for: focussed, productive and very well organized. We did a lot of business and enjoyed the increased offer of high quality projects. The event remains a must for us.” Ellen Windemuth, CEO, Off the Fence

"Wild Talk Africa is a revelation as it combines screenings of compelling wildlife content with expert advise on today’s production landscape and its opportunities for new talents. A no-miss for relevant programming and production executives and a wonderful experience for any environmentally conscious mind." Diana Rabanser, Discop

“Wild Talk Africa was yet again another amazing triumph. I personally enjoyed meeting so many newcomers to the industry and was particularly touched by the number of them that have already benefitted from not only the efforts of Wild Talk Africa but also the Wildlife Film Academy. I have always been a strong supporter of this initiative and it’s great to know you have backed a winner.” Andrew Jackson, Managing Director, Tigress Productions

“This years Wild Talk Africa festival was the usual mix of networking, talks, meetings, screenings and partying! The great thing about Wild Talk is that it's intimate enough not to feel intimidating and everyone is approachable. For me it was well worth going to and a lot of fun.” Michaela Strachan, Wildlife Presenter

“Durban Wild Talk Africa 2009 was well organized and thought through. It was encouraging to see the passion, dedication and commitment displayed by filmmakers and students alike. An excellent forum for networking and reconnecting with old contacts.” Virginia Styer, Events Manager, WWF

“Fascinating films, passionate producers and some strong potential ideas....all that and the chance to dance the night away ...what more could you want from a wildlife film festival..” Vyv Simson, Executive Producer, Animal Planet International

“Wild Talk Africa Festival was a highly professional, impressive and inspirational event which I thoroughly enjoyed. The place was swarming with energetic and talented people who were a pleasure to meet. The dinners and entertainment were world class. I can't wait for the next one!” Emma Rigney, Director of Development - Natural History, National Geographic Television

“Congratulations on success of Festival! I enjoyed the Festival so much, and thank you very much for your hospitality.” Gen Sasaki, Senior Producer, NHK 

Quotes from Wild Talk Africa 2007

“Yet again, Wild Talk Africa proved itself to be a magnificent addition to the packed international festival calendar. A triumph for Africa. In only its second year, Wild Talk has placed itself firmly on the world stage and in the minds of the Broadcasters. I’d expect to see even more international visitors next year as they wake up to the talent that exists in Africa. It’s through well organised festivals like Wild Talk that the trust in African production will grow. I look forward to joining you all again in 2008 and beyond!”  Andrew Jackson, Managing Director, Tigress Productions

“The modern environmental filmmaker occupies one of the most important and challenging positions in the media spectrum - balancing the roles of watch-dog, educator, researcher, activist and social commentator. This is why it is so important to have a Wild Talk Africa Festival. I believe that this festival could stimulate the need for more environmental reporters, equipped with up-to-date skills, cutting-edge knowledge and real in-depth understanding of the environmental and sustainable development issues on our continent.” Marthinus van Schalkwyk, Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism

“Wild Talk Africa is becoming an important niche event in the Southern African film and Television programme. We hope those who care about our environment, our natural history and the development of our sector, will continue to support this event. May Wild Talk Africa, grow from strength to strength.” Eddie Mbalo, CEO NFVF

“My overriding impression is that at the inaugural conference in 2006, many international and local players in the documentary film industry attended out of curiosity and support for a new initiative, whereas this year they came to Wild Talk Africa with the expectancy of doing real business. Wild Talk Africa is rapidly establishing itself as an important event in the wildlife and travel documentary calendar.” Peter Borchert, Africa Geographic Magazine

“The Durban Wild Talk Africa festival as well organized and thoroughly enjoyable. Meeting new filmmakers and seeing the number of collaborations with international partners was very encouraging. It can only grow from here with passion and commitment. The sterling work done by Sophie, Sandra and the rest of the festival team is a credit to the importance Wild Talk Africa has assumed in the lives of local filmmakers.” Marcel Golding, CEO e.tv

 “The Festival was very well organized. There's no better festival for getting to know the most passionate and dedicated wildlife filmmakers.” Tiffany Orvet, National Geographic Channel US

“This year's Wild Talk was the perfect place for us to spend time with our most important allies - high quality producers and dedicated commissioners.  Besides completing all the business we came for, the fun was fantastic.” Ellen Windemuth, Off the Fence.

"Wild Talk is a dynamic event that is certainly an invaluable forum for networking with established film makers as well as new boys on the block. From the KZN Wildlife perspective it is of immense practical value." Jeff Gaisford, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife

"It's exciting to see so many new faces, faces of local Southern African talent. It's the old Field of Dreams philosophy, 'if we build it they will come'... If we develop a top drawer wildlife industry, the broadcaster will come and seek those relationships. Wild Talk is the first step in educating, sharing industry information and steering a course to that 'best practices' reputation we hope to be known for.” Dereck Joubert, independent filmmaker

“The festival proved to be a most splendid event, it is a fine example of South Africa’s ability to host events as these successfully. It is a brilliant & long overdue platform for both old & new wildlife producers, offering a wide range of workshops, seminars, screenings & much needed networking opportunities.” Younus Salie, Filmmaker

“Congratulations on yet another well organised, professional and very successful WildTalk Festival.” Harriet Nimmo, CEO Wildscreen

“Thank you for a well organized and contained festival with very stimulating debates and topics. Wild Talk Africa, offers us a rare opportunity to intermingle with our peers from all 4 corners of the globe to converse on a subject that affects each and everyone of us; our national heritage. The SABC was honoured to be part of this festival.” Jacqui Hlongwane-Papo, Head of Genre: Reversioning & Repurposing, SABC

“Wild Talk Africa is a hugely dynamic and exciting festival to do business at.  African wildlife programming is among the best in the world and Wild Talk presents a great opportunity to develop the industry and widen its audience through partnership and discussion.” Amy Nelson, Acquisitions Executive, TVF International

“Africa is indeed blessed with magnificent wildlife and also with wonderful people. The wildlife story continues to be told over and over again, always in the positive. I was happy to be a part of the panel discussing how the positive and powerful human story can be told. Small steps in the right direction. I wish the Wild Talk Festival great success.” Helen Gichohi, President, African Wildlife Foundation

Quotes from Wild Talk Africa 2006

“The Wild Talk Africa Film Festival was without question a most important gathering of people influential in the world of films.  The participants will have returned to their homelands with a better understanding of the complexities of South Africa.  One thing is absolutely certain everyone was impressed with the enthusiasm and vibrancy at the festival.  It was a splendid affair.” Dr Ian Player, world-renowned conservationist

“I found Wild Talk Africa very stimulating and well organised.   I can see it being very useful for African producers both experienced and new and for international delegates who are seeking stories, talent, and alliances in Africa.” Neil Harraway, Director of Production, NHNZ

“Until Wild Talk Africa, I have never witnessed this level of concerted cooperation between the television industry, conservation organizations and government to launch meaningful natural history filmmaking. Very impressive.” Ellen Windemuth, Managing Director, Off the Fence Productions

“The festival has been a triumph, organized in the most splendid way possible. Durban is a beautiful city and the venue is perfect.” Keenan Smart, Head of Natural History Unit for National Geographic Television & Film (NGT&F)

"I was inspired and delighted to see the enthusiasm and support for this Festival - long may it continue.  It was an impressive and professional event. I very much hope that this Festival will help to showcase African talent and creativity, forge international co-productions and encourage the next generation of African film-makers to tell their wildlife and conservation stories to a wider global viewing public."Harriet Nimmo, CEO, Wildscreen

"The Wild Talk Africa festival, whilst firmly grounded in the South African film community, is fast on track to become a major international platform for the wildlife film industry. It organized a range of discussions on technical developments as well as the relationship between the industry and society. The World Conservation Union looks forward to once again being a partner with Wild Talk Africa in 2007." Valli Moosa, President of The World Conservation Union (IUCN).

“Wild Talk Africa exceeded my expectations as a festival to do business at.  To be so effective so early in its life bodes well for the future.  I look forward to next year.” Andrew Jackson, Managing Director of Tigress Productions

“Wild Talk Africa revealed that there was no shortage of ideas and inspiration about the connections between Wildlife and TV. But what was most remarkable and ultimately most heartening was the incredible level of enthusiasm displayed by so many participants. I look forward to next year.” Vyv Simson, Executive Editor, BBC Natural History Unit.