FOREWORD
Volumes 1 and 2 of Mother beautifully showcase how a single captivating image can ignite our passion for conservation. Whether it’s Cristina’s majestic orca in full flight or Ami’s heartwarming capture of a Reteti reticulated giraffe calf, the talented contributors to this magazine inspire us to protect our planet. It’s only natural, then, that Volume 3 expands this ethos to embrace not just photographers, but also filmmakers, scientists, and explorers. We each have our own unique way of storytelling, and now more than ever, we should be coming together and embracing diverse mediums. When my eye is to the viewfinder, I don’t just see an image—I feel it. That empathy drives me to action. And that’s the crux of it: If our audience can feel what we felt in that moment, then perhaps we can make a real difference. Cinematography and exploration have the power to unite, inspire, and heal, but only if we level the playing field and amplify diverse voices, particularly those of the communities we visit and portray. Mentorship is key to fostering this inclusive ethos. Over 30 years ago, I was fortunate to be mentored by the visionary filmmaker Hugo van Lawick, who taught me the importance of inclusivity in storytelling. Hugo and his crew mentored without structure; I often learned as much listening over dinner as I did by watching the way they filmed. I try to remember that—mentoring doesn’t have to be structured and is very much a two-way street. You learn as much as you share, if not more. It all starts with a conversation, and when the tide rises, it lifts all the boats. Surely that’s what we want right now? “I was really excited to see that the photo of me looking out at the valley at Gombe with my trusty lightweight telescope was chosen. It was taken in, I think, 1962. That was in the days before digital, so I had to wait a long time before I got the results back from National Geographic . I was pretty proud of myself. I love that picture.” —Jane Goodall The captivating photographs gracing these pages belong not to me, but to the legendary primatologist Jane Goodall. Ami Vitale, known not only for her powerful work as a photographer but also for Vital Impacts, recently collaborated with 90 other voices to celebrate Jane’s 90th birthday. What better platform than this magazine to amplify such extraordinary talent? As an African proverb wisely notes, “When ants unite, they can lift an elephant.” Let’s harness the collective power of our talents, voices, and experiences to lift the weight of environmental and cultural challenges together.
Sophie Darlington
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MOTHER VOLUME THREE
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