As we reflect on 2024, we feel deeply grateful for the opportunities to tell meaningful stories, collaborate with inspiring people, and explore places that have shaped both our work and our perspective. Last year reminded us why we are so passionate about filmmaking, conservation, and connection.
Antarctica: A Journey to the Edge of the World
2024 began with an unforgettable journey to Antarctica, a place that encapsulates both breathtaking beauty and the stark realities of climate change. This region is warming faster than almost anywhere else on Earth, with the Antarctic Peninsula experiencing a temperature increase of nearly 3°C over the past 50 years. This rapid warming has led to substantial ice loss, affecting both the landscape and its unique wildlife.
Travelling via the Falkland Islands, we experienced surreal phenomena like 24-hour daylight during the austral summer, where the sun never sets, casting a golden glow over the icy expanse. This light provided incredible opportunities for filming and deepened our appreciation for the resilience of this fragile ecosystem.
Highlights of this journey included our first experience filming in snow and witnessing a leopard seal—a top predator perfectly adapted to this icy world. Working with Abercrombie & Kent on this assignment was both a privilege and a learning experience, and it was a trip we’ll never forget.
Watch the Antarctica Film Here: An Expedition Cruise to Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falklands
Ecuador and the Galápagos: A Global Perspective
Later in 2024, we travelled to Ecuador, another assignment with Abercrombie & Kent that took us to the Galápagos Islands. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to extraordinary species, such as the Galápagos penguin—the only penguin found north of the equator.
Beyond the wildlife, the warmth and generosity of the local communities deeply moved us. These interactions reminded us of the interconnectedness of conservation, culture, and humanity, broadening our perspective on the challenges and opportunities we face globally.
Take a Look at Our Gallery Here: Ecuador and the Galápagos
“Elephant Alone”: Our Documentary In the Making
Closer to home, we continued work on Elephant Alone, a deeply personal project about the last remaining elephant in the Knysna forest. This story highlights the fragility of ecosystems and serves as a wake-up call for the consequences of habitat loss and human impact.
Historically, the Knysna forest was home to large herds of elephants, but ivory hunting and habitat destruction has reduced their numbers to one solitary female. This story mirrors global trends of local extinctions, where species are reduced to isolated populations.
Through this documentary, we aim to share this story with as much care and depth as possible, hoping to spark crucial conversations about sustainability and conservation. It’s not just a South African story—it’s a global one, emphasising the need for long-term planning to prevent further loss.
Elephant Alone | Trailer: Phase 1
Elephant Alone | Trailer: Phase 2
Lessons in Conservation: Inspiring the Next Generation
Our ongoing partnership with Lessons in Conservation continued to inspire us last year. Their work in educating children across Africa—including expanding into marine conservation—exemplifies the power of grassroots change.
In Malawi, we documented the incredible efforts of educators like Sellah, whose passion for teaching is transforming lives. Her story, featured in The Matriarchs, is a testament to how education can empower individuals and communities while fostering a love for the natural world.
Watch Sellah’s Story Here: Meet Sellah
Watch Our Newest Film Here: Lessons in Conservation – Malawi
East Africa and Volcanoes Safaris: Conservation in Action
East Africa has become a second home to us due to our long-standing collaboration with Volcanoes Safaris and other organisations. Our work with Volcanoes Safaris continued in 2024, allowing us to document their new lodges and ongoing conservation work focused on great apes, ecosystems and the communities that live on the outskirts of these wilderness areas.
Each gorilla trek is a reminder of the beauty and fragility of these creatures, and every trip deepens our connection to the communities in this area. The people we meet always welcome us with such warmth, and every assignment is a chance to learn and grow.
Watch our Film about Volcanoes Safaris Here: Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust
Offset8 Capital: The Warm Heart of Malawi
In Malawi, we partnered with Offset8 Capital to highlight their impactful conservation projects. They are doing incredible work – in collaboration with iRise and CDI. This region, often overlooked, faces enormous environmental challenges, but Offset 8 Capital is addressing these through reforestation, sustainable agriculture, and clean cooking initiatives.
Their work is creating real change, planting millions of indigenous trees and protecting ecosystems for future generations.
Watch the Film Here: Regenerating the Warm Heart of Africa, Malawi
Masi Violin Outreach: Transforming Lives Through Music
The Masi Violin Outreach programme continues to inspire us. This organisation provides free music education to children in Masiphumelele, fostering creativity, confidence, and resilience. Witnessing the transformative power of music in these children’s lives reaffirms our belief in the arts as a force for positive change.
Near the end of 2024 Masi Violin Outreach organised a festival for the students to showcase how much they have learned over the year and they were treated with a surprise performance by Nomadic Orchestra. It was such a special day that we got to attend.
Watch the Main Film Here: Masi Violin Outreach Project
Watch the Festival Film Here: Symphony of Community
Expanding Horizons
From Botswana to Tanzania, Uganda to Rwanda, Ecuador and Antarctica, 2024 was a year of exploration and growth. There are many assignments not listed here, we are grateful for them all. Each project strengthened our portfolio and reaffirmed our commitment to producing meaningful, impactful films that showcase the beauty and complexity of our world.
The Connect Foundation
One of the most exciting milestones of 2024 was the launch of The Connect Foundation, our non-profit arm dedicated to helping other organisations amplify their voices through impactful content. We believe in the power of storytelling to inspire change, and through Connect, we aim to provide films and photographs that help non-profits raise awareness and funding in an increasingly digital world.
We’d love your support—whether through collaboration, donation, or simply sharing our work. Together, we can make a difference.
Visit Our Website: The Connect Foundation
Subscribe to Our YouTube Channel: The Connect Foundation YouTube
Looking Ahead
As we step into 2025, we carry the lessons and stories of 2024 with us. Thank you for your support, encouragement, and belief in what we do. Here’s to another year of filmmaking, conservation, and connection.
Let’s roll!
Team Bean
