Thanks to a grant received specifically for the purpose, AEFF has been able to purchase a new digital editing suite, including specialized logging software, and to hire an editor to carry out the logging and archiving of all the 600+ hours of footage in the AEFF library. While all AEFF footage is roughly logged as soon as it has been shot, this is a much more detailed process, involving cross-referencing and extreme levels of detail, which will make AEFF's library (probably one of the most comprehensive environmental/wildlife film libraries on the continent) more accessible to all future generations of AEFF editors, who will be able to draw on this extensive resource when assembling new educational films in future. For example, AEFF's current series of films which are in production under the working title of BEE TRILOGY (more details below) will draw heavily on existing footage in the AEFF library, supplemented by new footage.
The new editing suite hard at work for AEFF. One of the challenges faced is security of our equipment, so all elements of the editing suite are secured to the desk by heavy chains, to deny potential burglars the chance of an easy catch.
Each sequence in the AEFF library is cross-referenced, and logged in detail, providing a practical and easily accessed resource for the use of AEFF editors far into the future...
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AEFF's major new film project is a three-part series on the African Honey Bee - apis mellifera scutellata.
Pollinators, like the African Honey Bee, form an essential and intricate link between wild species, areas of natural vegetation and basic human livelihoods / human food crop production.
One of the key environmental issues of our day is the fate of food crop pollinators, and most especially honey bees. It is an oft-quoted fact that one in three bites of food can be attributed to a pollinator, chief among which are insects. With the worldwide bee crisis brought about by the dwindling bee populations due to “colony collapse disorder”, much attention has been focused on bees internationally. However, in rural Africa, where staple food crops such as beans rely on bees for pollination, many people do not understand the vital role played by these insects. Many people blame crop failures on bees and start killing them when they visit their crops – thereby actually causing crop failure.
AEFF's BEE TRILOGY will incorporate the following films (all working titles):
1. The Traditional Bee Man (showing traditional honey harvesting and beekeeping methods). View photos from this film on Facebook.
2. Apis Mellifera Scutellata (in-depth study of African honey bee behaviour and their complex social hierarchies). View photos from this film on Facebook.
3. Benefits to Mankind of the Bee (how the bee is vital to the survival of human populations and how modern beekeeping methods can larger yields of honey, without destroying bee populations). View photos from this film on Facebook.
>>> More information on all three films can be found here.
Much of the footage required for these three half-hour films already exists in the AEFF library, but some supplementary filming is required and is being undertaken, with some astonishing results – filming right inside traditional African bee hives as the different castes of bee industriously perform their specific roles. This kind of footage, though perhaps often seen on western television (albeit inside a modern beehive), will astound many people in Africa, particularly in the rural communities where honey harvesting is a key revenue earner. The educational value, and subsequent improvement in knowledge and appreciation of the role played by bees in food crop production and the overall health of the environment, will encourage the conservation of this key insect species and also of natural vegetation which is so important in sustaining healthy bee populations.
Honey harvesting from a traditional beehive, using smoke to subdue the bees.
Filming bees, particularly bees which have a hive full of honey to defend, has its inherent risks. Despite taking precautions, the AEFF team sometimes gets caught out and has to retreat in haste! Take a look at AEFF's camera, being ferociously attacked by bees defending their hive (visible behind the camera in the top photo) and let your imagination tell you what happens to the camera team if they stay around too long!
>>> View more photos showing the making of AEFF's Bee Trilogy
Want to get involved? Please support our many ongoing educational film projects and conservation initiatives!
Thank you.
Monday, August 8, 2011 at 12:57PM 
