KENYAN DOCUMENTARY HEALING RANGELANDS WINS SECOND PLACE AT SER FILM FESTIVAL 

The Kenyan documentary Healing Rangelands, which chronicles a groundbreaking model of ecological and community regeneration in Laikipia County, has earned second place in its category at the Society for Ecological Restoration (SER) Film Festival in Denver, Colorado. 

The film was a finalist in the Weaving in Indigenous Perspectives category. The SER Film Festival, a competitive international event, received 118 submissions across four categories, with representation from 35 countries. The in-person screening was attended by approximately 800 people.

Co-directed by Ian Wafula and Saitabao Kaiyare, Healing Rangelands tells the inspiring story of the partnership between Borana Conservancy and the Mayianat community. The film follows their shared journey to heal previously degraded rangelands through a model of shared stewardship, blending modern regenerative techniques with deep indigenous wisdom.

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Laikipia, the film captures over two years of transformative work, with much of the cinematography shot by Ivo Horsey. It highlights the efforts of permaculturist Llewellyn Dyer and regenerative livestock expert Richie Van Aardt as they work alongside the Community Land Management Committee (CLMC).

A central figure in the narrative is the resilient and visionary Benedetta Tinkoi, Chair of the Grazing and Land Restoration Subcommittee, who represents the community’s leadership and commitment. The documentary vividly showcases the application of nature-based solutions such as swales and rotational grazing leading to the dramatic regeneration of barren land, the return of grass and biodiversity, and the mending of a once-strained relationship.