Children of Honey

Original Title: Olanakwe Sa Ba’alako

Runtime: 90'

Expected Release: March 2027

Production Stage: Shooting

1st Feature: Yes

Looking for: Financing, Cinematic, Theatrical Release Partners, Festivals

Synopsis:

In a remote Tanzanian valley, three friends come of age in one of the world’s last hunter-gatherer Communities. As the precious honey they depend on becomes harder to find, will they be the last generation to hold on to the ancient wisdom? Created through shared authorship, this documentary film aims to transform how we see our relationship to one another and to nature.

Director’s Profile:

Jigar Ganatra is an award-winning Tanzanian filmmaker recognized for his ability to authentically connect with his collaborators, capturing nuanced narratives alongside stunning visuals. Since 2016, he has made films in 29 countries as Director, DoP, Producer, creating films in diverse locations, from the East African savannah to the Amazon Rainforest and the Himalayan peaks. His work includes international productions for Netflix, Disney+, National Geographic, Arte. His focus on non-extractive filmmaking highlights humanity’s bond with nature while preserving cultural and ecological diversity. As founder of the African School of Storytelling (AFRISOS), Jigar mentors emerging African filmmakers, empowering them to share their unique stories with the world. Children of Honey is Jigar’s first feature documentary and is made in collaboration with the Hadza Indigenous Community.

Co-Director’s Profile:

Emmanuel Musa Marco is one of the few Hadza hunter-gatherers who left to attain a university degree (a Bachelors in Geography in the Kilimanjaro region) to then return to his home in the Yaeda Valley to work on protecting his Community’s land rights. He is now a Community welfare leader and passionate filmmaker. For Emmanuel the Children of Honey film project is deeply personal. He lost both of his parents to alcohol-related violence, and that lived experience shapes the film from the inside, giving it emotional truth, care, and accountability.

Producer’s Profile:

Natalie Humphreys – Multi-award-winning producer, writer, executive producer and one of a small number of Producers in Scotland who deliver across the spectrum from independent documentary cinema to high-rating television series to digital-first content, including being a specialist in international co-production, often with multiple funders, sensitive access, complex compliance and talent collaborations. Natalie is a Zoology PhD holder and previously led the BBC £100M+ unscripted network, encompassing renowned Natural History, Science and Documentary programming. As a highly trusted producer she handled major brands like ‘Planet Earth’ and ‘Horizon’ and with nearly 30 years in film making and co-production she has a well-established network in the UK and internationally.