Great Ape Conservation Film Project

filmstrip of photos going across a jungle background

A New Kind of Conservation Storytelling

GLOBIO’s Great Ape Conservation Film Project is using film, art, education, and community storytelling to strengthen conservation values where they matter most: with the people of Cameroon living alongside gorillas and chimpanzees. By blending conservation education with culturally rooted filmmaking, the Project builds local awareness and inspires empathy and pride in local communities.

Film strip with Gorilla background

Visual Storytelling: Awareness-Building Through Film

image of children's book next to an image of child reading

Conservation Education & Empowerment

two women looking at a tablet device

Community Engagement and Local Capacity Building

Conversation Begins With Connection

Conservation succeeds only when local people are informed, engaged, and empowered. In many parts of Cameroon, access to accurate information about apes is limited. The Project’s films are created for schoolchildren, teachers, and surrounding communities, bringing clear, culturally rooted stories into classrooms and village spaces to build understanding, connection, and lasting conservation commitment.

student raising his hand with teacher standing in front of blackboard
9 smiling people standing next to a sign that says Ape Action Africa

What Makes This Project Different?

  • Locally driven: Created with communities, not for them.

  • Scientifically grounded: Guided by data and evaluation.

  • Collaborative: Built through partnerships with NGOs, educators, and conservationists.

  • Replicable: A model adaptable to other great ape range countries.

  • Empowering: Focused on education, storytelling, and local leadership.

Dive Deeper

Our Impact So Far

1,300+ Teachers and Students Reached
Partnered with Ape Action Africa to conduct research with over 1300 teachers and students, building insight into community knowledge and perceptions.
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Local Staff Trained
Creating long-term community capacity in digital research and conservation communication.
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Strengthening Conservation Learning
Supporting local educators by enhancing the Mama P curriculum with visual and interactive learning.
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Global Conservation Impact
Project insights published in African Primates Journal and presented at major conservation gatherings including NAAEE 2024 and the 2025 International Gorilla Workshop.
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What's Next?

  • Design and produce five illustrated educational posters.
  • Pilot test posters in classrooms and measure their long-term impact.
  • Develop first short film series with Cameroonian educators and community members.
  • Train and mentor local filmmakers 
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Latest News From the Project

Support the Film Project

Your support fuels this project – from empowering educators to producing the first conservation films made by and for the people who share their forests with great apes.

Every contribution helps us take the next step toward lasting, community-led conservation across Cameroon and beyond.

Give Today

With special thanks to the Horne and Leiter Family Foundations for their generous support in helping bring this work to life so far.

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