Parenthood

Jungles are a funny place, when I’m there I spend my time questioning why I never get shoots sitting in a landrover filming lions in the Serengeti, but then as soon as I get home, fuck the landrover, I want to go deeper into the jungle, to the darkest spots, those little bits that still just say unexplored on the map.

Day after day, the trackers amazed us with their sharp eyes and intimate knowledge of the forest. Their skill led us to incredible gorilla encounters—sometimes just meters away—letting us witness tender moments and playful antics. Ipikalya and Malumbi, the youngsters, frequently stole the show with their climbing and games. Yet, it wasn’t all gorilla magic: elephants often made filming tricky, sending us scrambling for safety and keeping our hearts racing.

Filming wasn’t always easy. Rainstorms, jungle mud, and technical mishaps (from steamed-up lenses to laptops refusing to cooperate) tested our patience. Still, we managed to capture intimate moments—Kamaya’s imposing presence, mothers caring for their babies, and the gorillas’ daily rhythms across swamps and towering mangroves.

Occasionally, we swapped the camera for football matches with the trackers, building trust and good spirits despite the grueling shoot. Unexpected wildlife drama—like Kamaya asserting his dominance or an elephant charging—reminded us just how wild this place is.

As we wrap up, I’m filled with gratitude for the team, the trackers’ expertise, and—most of all—the remarkable gorillas who granted us a glimpse into their lives. Each day brought something new: a playful leap, a brush with an elephant, or a hard-won shot for the film. I’ll never forget the feeling of standing just meters from a chest-beating silverback, the jungle alive with possibility. Here’s to many more wild stories to tell!