In this episode we’re delighted to be joined by Akanksha Sood Singh, a natural history filmmaker from India who has spent over 25 years telling powerful stories about lesser-known species and underrepresented voices in conservation.
We explore Akanksha’s journey into wildlife filmmaking, from her beginnings in science to building a career in natural history filmmaking. Akanksha shares the challenges of navigating a Western-dominated conservation space, and how these experiences have shaped her approach to storytelling, with a strong focus on authenticity, ethics, and amplifying local voices.
Throughout the conversation, we discuss the evolution of conservation storytelling, including the balance between visual impact and meaningful narratives, and how emerging technologies and short-form media are changing the way stories are told. Akanksha also reflects on the importance of telling stories rooted in local places, and the role that filmmakers, scientists, and communities all play in shaping more inclusive and representative narratives.
A key part of this work is her role as the founder of The Gaia People, a platform dedicated to supporting local storytellers, amplifying diverse voices, and creating more equitable opportunities within conservation and filmmaking. Through this work, she is actively challenging traditional power structures in the industry and helping to build a more inclusive and representative future for conservation storytelling.
We also talk about her incredible work founding Women of the Wild, an initiative supporting underrepresented women in conservation, and the importance of creating space and opportunities for diverse voices in the field. Akanksha shares honest insights into the systemic challenges that still exist, as well as practical advice for young women wanting to pursue careers in conservation and filmmaking, particularly in marginalised regions.
Any questions or queries contact womeninwildlife@outlook.com
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