Living in Harmony: Zimbabwean Filmmakers Spotlight Human-Wildlife Conflict in Matabeleland North

Two Zimbabwean filmmakers are drawing national attention to escalating human-wildlife conflicts in Matabeleland North with their documentary, Living in Harmony. The region, rich in biodiversity, is home to elephants, hyenas, wild dogs, and other wildlife, but increasing human activity is straining coexistence.

Director Survivor Nyasulu and co-producer Matesu Dube explore how human encroachment, agricultural expansion, and resource extraction infringe on wildlife habitats. Nyasulu said, “We wanted to show the conflict that’s there between humans and wildlife, finding common ground. The film is about finding a balance because true coexistence and conservation happen when both parties benefit.”

Living in Harmony highlights the hardships faced by communities living alongside wildlife. Villagers recount losing entire seasons’ crops to elephants and livestock to predators. Survivors of animal attacks share how routine tasks, like collecting water or firewood, have become life-threatening.

Recent incidents underscore the urgency of the issue. A man in the Dete area was attacked by a hyena around 8pm while walking home in Mabale under Chief Nelukoba. The documentary also exposes the danger posed to wildlife, showing how wire snares set by poachers for bush meat or ivory indiscriminately maim and kill animals.

Despite the grim realities, the film emphasizes hope. Rangers who patrol Hwange National Park dismantle snares daily. The collected traps are repurposed into sculptures and artworks, with proceeds funding conservation efforts. Nyasulu said this initiative demonstrates how communities can play a key role in protecting wildlife.

The 60-minute documentary premiered at Mabale, Soft Foot Alliance, attracting a large audience from Dete, Dopota, Mabale, Hangano, Chimwara, and even Victoria Falls. “The idea was to screen it in one of the affected communities, and there was a huge turnout, better than I expected,” Nyasulu said.

Co-producer Dube is an award-winning theatre director from Bulawayo with 29 years in the arts, leading Umkhathi Theatre Works. Nyasulu, a wildlife photographer and communications assistant for Painted Dog conservation, brings expertise in wildlife storytelling. Both graduated from Lupane State University with a Bachelor of Honours Degree in Film, Television, and Media Studies in 2023.

Living in Harmony offers a platform for communities and wildlife to be seen together, promoting policy awareness, community empowerment, and sustainable conservation. The film calls for balance, showing that coexistence is possible when humans and wildlife are both protected.