July 14th - 27th

With each of our adventures into to the 7500 hectare expanse of Il Ngwesi, our progress reassures us, and new opportunities reveal themselves to us. From the 11th of July onward to the 17th, we were back in the home of these peoples of the wildlife in an attempt to capture the intimate relationship between man and nature, and that unspoken bond between where homage and respect are paid. The wild but gentle Maasai nature continues to unveil itself to us as our encounters with this magical tribe become more personal, beginning this time with the finalization of the formal agreement between Apo Calypso Productions and the leadership of Il Ngwesi. Here aid with logistics and permission to film anything that we see appropriate, as pertaining to the documentary, were granted to us under the understanding that showcasing these people will provide an accurate world view of the Maasai. This crucial meeting solidifies our partnership with the community, and facilitates the obtainment of any footage that has proven difficult in past experiences.

On the same journey to the Il Ngwesi Lodge, where the meeting took place, we were surprised by the presence of a second filmmaker: Vincenzo Cadallo of the Cultural Video Foundation. After a brief and informal discussion regarding our work and our purpose, he offered to contribute any help required with resources and networking to make this project a success. These two partnerships were but the preemption of a 6-day onslaught of over 15 hours of footage, which puts us at precisely 47 total hours.

We were able to witness the man to nature interaction that is constantly taking place in Il Ngwesi, and the celebration thereof through song and dance, by a group of nearly 30 Moran's and women: enough chanting to keep the elephants away. Also, during one of our in-vehicle journeys, we were priviledged by the presence of 5 Moran's belting out their ancient songs as the vast landscape of the Rift Valley flew by. To share in this celebration was no doubt and honor as always, for which both us and the camera are grateful.

Meanwhile, as the team were breaking down camp and preparing a trip to the coastal island of Lamu, Cameron was back in Toronto on his computer cataloging images, drafting proposals, and hunting for a place for the soon-approaching second phase of this endeavor: post-production. Via phone he was receiving the vital updates regarding the debriefing session that took place between the 18th and 19th on Lamu. Here the detailed description of the model for future use on future projects of the process, groundwork, values and approaches, questions to be asked, storyline, budget, and shooting method for this entire venture were discussed, as well as plans and shot lists for the next stint, to take place between the 28th of July and the 14th of August. Javid will be travelling solo on this mission as Max's departure on the 22nd has regrettably approached and passed. Upon his arrival in Washington D.C., Max will begin to outline a more concrete conceptualization of the overall story and structure of this film, as well as familiarize himself with the software that will be necessary for when the three regroup for editing on the 26th of August. He will be in co-ordination with Cam back in Toronto, as the designing of a template for a website and the raising of funding for post-production are now underway.

Fortunately, in Max's absence, Javid will be accompanied by a new crewmember. He will be taking the time to mentor a Maasai from the community in the art of filmmaking with hopes of furthering the documentation of Il Ngwesi. This will be one of the many footprints that Apo Calypso will leave behind for the community when we are forced to depart.

Javid and this yet to be identified apprentice will be shooting the following:
- The Myth of Il Ngwesi, as told by a Moisay
- Lion tracking with the head guide at Lewa Conservancy
- Close-up shots of animals yet to be obtained
- 10-day on-foot herding trek
- As well as the bringing of one Moran and one woman to B Ware Recording Studios

Onward and Upward,
Apo Calypso Prductions