Akansha Tiwari | Filmmaker | Photographer | Conservationist | India
Akansha Tiwari is a wildlife filmmaker from India who works on stories that highlight local voices and initiatives. Her recent projects have documented marine conservation, mental health, the COVID pandemic, big cats facing habitat encroachment and the fishing industry. As a part of the impact campaigns of these projects, she has been working with different stakeholders to bring about awareness and policy change towards the issues her films document. They are currently looking at solutions to the problem of marine debris and producing projects that promote inclusive storytelling.
When did you first start your storytelling journey?
2018 under internships and 2019 independently.
What are the fondest memories from your upbringing that you feel impacted your life choices and lifestyle today?
I remember being 3 years old and sitting in front of the television with huge encyclopedias in my hand watching Animal Planet and Nat Geo thinking about how I wanted to work on making these films when I grow up. I loved the idea of being surrounded by these wonderful creatures and being able to access them as well as share their stories.
What path did you choose after leaving school?
I dropped out of a Bachelor of Science in Zoology after one year to join Media and Communication in Audio Visual.
What/who currently inspires you?
I am inspired by Bertie Gregory!
What would you most like to change in the world/environment today?
I would like to make the polluters accountable and mandate transparency. I would also like to see inclusivity between stakeholders before finalisations for public policies.
Are there any books/documentaries that have guided your thinking, and that you'd like to recommend to other ocean lovers?
I think I would credit my interest in films and stories of marine wildlife to a film called 'Blackfish'. It is a must-watch and talks about the turmoil marine mammals face and the change in their behavior due to prolonged captivity.
What legacy do you hope to leave?
I want more people to understand the importance of our oceans and how they are a reflection of our planet's health. The oceans and its creatures are inaccessible to more people on the planet, I want to make as many people revel in their magic.
What advice would you give to anyone looking to follow their dreams as an Ocean Storyteller?
Always make sure you look at all sides of the story you are documenting and sharing with the world, even if you might want to portray it in your film. Understanding the issue, ecosystem, and perspectives of all stakeholders who are directly or indirectly affected is imperative to be able to create a factual unbiased product even if it inclines favoring towards a particular narrative.
INSTAGRAM: @akansha.13 | @tangled.seas
