This fundraiser is primarily for developing our shoot at the Tana Delta in Kenya.

The Tana Delta is a concentration point for many of the world's migratory birds, even some species migrating from the northwest, like swallows and swifts.

The Tana Delta is recognized as a wildlife site of global importance by charities like The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and Nature Kenya.

We’ve found this location to be key for our project. This is due to both its bird life and the special relationship the locals have with the delta's wildlife.

It has never been more important to film at the Tana Delta. It is now threatened by ventures which could displace both its people and wildlife.

For 2 years ornithologists, conservationists and filmmakers have been collaborating from the UK, The Gambia and Kenya to learn more about birds that migrate to and from Africa. Through the lens of bird migration; the project aims to reveal more about climate change, our relationship with the natural world, and biodiversity loss. Birds Beyond Borders is an inclusive and collaborative non-profit documentary and research project.

In the spring/summer 2022 the Birds Beyond Borders UK team investigated the dramatic decline of nesting sites for birds like martins and swifts in the UK.

The UK team have also filmed a number of other species across the UK that are being affected by the results of climate change like European bee-eater.

Now, the Birds Beyond Borders Kenya are aiming to film these birds in and around Kenya during their wintering period.

The project also aims to explore local Kenyan knowledge of these birds that may not have been recorded in western science - especially house martins, sand martins and swifts, which have never been filmed wintering.

For more info please visit: www.birdsbeyondborders.com

Head HERE for updates

WHAT THE FUNDS CAN HELP

Since we launched this fundraiser in December 2022 the project has evolved and shifted. Any new funds will allow us to continue our research in preparation for our next shoot in Africa, in late 2023. Corroborating as much data as we can is key for filming many of our target species.

In order to do this project justice, we want our research to be thorough, any funds will allow our team members to set aside time to keep this project chugging along! Thank you.

REWARD SCHEME

£50 - you can opt into having your name added to the ‘WITH THANKS’ credits on the film and you will receive free entry to any of the Birds Beyond Borders events and screenings.

£500 - you can opt into having your name added to ‘WITH THANKS’ credits on the film and you will receive free entry to any of the Birds Beyond Borders events and screenings + you can opt in to receive a limited edition print of the bird species photographed by the Birds Beyond Borders team.

£1000 - You will receive free entry to any of the Birds Beyond Borders events and screenings, you can opt in to receive a limited edition print of the bird species photographed by the Birds Beyond Borders team + you can opt in to having your name be added to the ‘EXEC PRODUCER’ credits on the film.

OUR TEAM

KARIM KARA

Karim is a Kenyan photographer and filmmaker. As an ornithologist, birds drive his inspirations and passions in life. Having accumulated awards for his wildlife and nature photography, Karim's ambition is to make his viewers ask themselves broader questions through his stories about wildlife and conservation.

‍MARTHA MUTISO

Martha is an ornithologist, tour guide, conservation photographer and filmmaker based in Kenya. She's also on the committee for the Pan African Ornithological Congress. Her work has been published on various platforms; and is a reflection of the places, wildlife and people that inspire her.

BENJAMIN WARD

Benjamin is a wildlife conservationist, birder, filmmaker and writer from the UK, Essex. He's had a passion for species migration from a young age. His experience working with both wildlife NGOs and grassroots movements has had a big influence on his work which has been recognised and awarded internationally.

JIMMY CAPE

Jimmy is a wildlife cameraman, DoP and director with a BSc in Zoology and MA in documentary film . His work has taken him on remote expeditions across six continents and his footage has been featured in primetime shows for the BBC, NatGeo, AppleTV+, Netflix and others. Jimmy has filmed with African wildlife a number of times.

BEN OWOUR

Ben is a Film Production and Directing student in the US International University - Africa. He has a background in cinematography and production design. He has published short films and is currently producing various conservation documentaries. Ben believes creating awareness is a key part of wildlife conservation.

ALEX STEVENSON

Alex Stevenson is a filmmaker and environmental campaigner from the UK. His roles include camera operation, camera assistant and on-camera Interviewing. He's studying at the University of Bristol and has already released a number of short films. He's also produced videos for environmental NGOs in Cornwall.