Claudius Ptolemy, the Greco-Roman mathematician, astronomer, and father of geography, referred to the Rwenzori range as the “Mountains of the Moon,” a description that still holds some truth today. However, significant changes have occurred since Ptolemy’s time. These changes inspired the documentary titled “The Rwenzori Rainmakers”. This heartfelt film tells the story of the Rwenzori Mountains in Uganda through the lens of a passionate group dedicated to protecting and transforming their community. It focuses on a community in the Kasese district, guided by artists at a bronze sculpture foundry, who have replanted over 200,000 indigenous trees on degraded land. The documentary also highlights a positive narrative about restoration and nature conservation, as explored by these committed artists.

The documentary is divided into three parts: Part One: The Rwenzori Rainmakers – The Challenges of Change, introduces three project leaders who share their stories and the stories of their communities. They present three integrated goals: to create art, restore the environment, and promote health. As artists, they emphasize the importance of culture and the challenges they face in reinforcing traditional totem beliefs while instigating necessary changes to protect returning wildlife. This segment features a strong village Chairlady who supports the role of women in the community. A wood poacher narrates his experiences with conflict while trespassing on the land. However, the development of a new forest and local job opportunities inspire villagers to participate in an impressive effort to plant much-needed trees on neighboring hills, aiming to prevent future landslides. Part Two: Restoring The Rains opens with a night-time honey harvest when the wild bees are drowsy. This segment introduces the theme of nature services, highlighting the benefits of biodiversity and tree planting. Part Three: Bringing Back Biodiversity positions the mountains as a hotspot for biodiversity. It emphasizes that planting trees is essential for water catchment and landslide protection.

In David Attenborough’s Netflix documentary, “Our Planet”, he provides a comprehensive overview of the Earth we inhabit. If this documentary were an introductory session in a lecture on nature, the Rwenzori Rainmakers should serve as the concluding topic, illustrating where we and the planet are headed together. When I refer to “we,” I mean both humans and the planet as a whole. I am not comparing the Rwenzori Rainmakers to “Our Planet”, as they are fundamentally different, much like comparing apples to oranges. However, like any outstanding documentary, “Rwenzori” possesses all the essential elements that make it unique. It features a strong narrative that captivates the audience and guides them through the story. The film demonstrates extensive research, which enhances its intrigue. This research includes gathering evidence, conducting interviews, and utilizing archival footage to support its narrative.

The documentary presents a compelling narrative that highlights life in Africa. It effectively combines raw footage, interviews with activists, and dramatic reenactments to build a strong case for the climate change initiative. The use of suspenseful cinematography and an engaging soundtrack draws viewers in emotionally, while the inclusion of scientific evidence and expert testimony adds credibility to the film’s claims. This documentary serves as a powerful example of filmmaking as a form of activism, inspiring viewers to take action against environmental injustices and showcasing the significant impact that documentaries can have on public discourse and policy change.

Directed by Zuleika Kingdon, this film is a labor of love by both Zuleika and Jacqui. They funded the project with the support of their incredible Kickstarter and Ko-fi backers. The entire film was completed in just one month, with two two-week shooting sessions—one during the dry season and the other during the wet season. Although filming a documentary in such a short timeframe can be challenging, the storytelling remains neither strained nor hasty. The film is rich in nuance and subtlety, and the portrayal of the lives of Ugandans is commendable. The storytelling is genuine, and the interview questions are well-considered.

Sound played an intriguing role in the film, enhancing the visuals and deepening the viewer’s experience. The sound recordist, Sam, deserves commendation for his work. The editing was also remarkable, allowing space for reflective moments complemented by the music. The beautiful themes created by Ugandan composer Andrew Ahurra breathe new life into the film.

In conclusion, I would like to give the film a rating of 4.5 stars out of 5, and let’s hope the Mountains of the Moon continue to shine.