A powerful documentary:

It’s the 14th Encounters South African International Documentary Film Festival, running in Johannesburg and Cape Town until 24 June 2012. Part of the lineup included screenings of Saving Rhino Phila, a locally made film that tackles the sensitive and highly controversial subject of rhino poaching in South Africa.

Wild attended the screening and got to see just how tragic the situation has become. The documentary looks at the life of a rhino named Phila, who miraculously survives repeated shootings from poachers wanting to kill her for her horn.

In the film we are introduced to Phila’s owner, farm manager, game rangers, vets and an authority from South African National Parks. Each person shares their views and while some feel differently to others, everyone agrees that we have to work together and come up with a way to save our rhinos from becoming extinct. Click here to find out more.

The documentary was produced and released by the NHU Africa (Natural History Unit Africa) in 2011.

Unfortunately the film has finished its run at the Encounters Film Festival.

Watch the trailer below:



MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet

MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet is South Africa’s biggest fundraising programme, raising over R2.5 million every month for over 9 000 schools, charities, environmental and animal welfare organisations. Every time you make a purchase and swipe your MyPlanet card a percentage of your spend is donated to the charity of your choice.

The MyPlanet team is passionate about protecting our rhinos and believes that together our collective actions make a radical difference. Find out how to apply for a card.

Your reusable bag
Guests at the screening each received a limited edition cheetah bag. The bags are
avaliable at Woolworths stores. Each purchase helps to fund the survival of cheetahs through the Wildlife Act Fund.

Keep an eye out for rhino bags. The bags will be on sale again at Woolworths stores from the end of July 2012. To date over R1-million has been raised for rhino conservation through rhino bag sales alone.

Check out our Facebook images from last night's screening – click here.