RHINO documentary brings Kenya’s conservation frontline to the big screen

Nairobi, Kenya — A documentary, RHINO, featuring the lives of Kenyan rangers protecting black rhinos, premiered in Africa on Saturday, bringing the people behind the country’s conservation efforts to the forefront. Directed by Tom Martienssen and narrated by Tom Hardy, the film screens at Trademark Hotel in Nairobi, marking its African debut after a London premiere.

Notable attendees included US Charge d’Affaires Susan Burns and UK High Commissioner Matt Baugh, representing a gathering of conservationists, rangers, veterinary experts, and diplomats.

Rhino, which followed Kenyan rangers and conservation teams over five years, tells the story of the country’s successful black rhino protection efforts. Martienssen, who initially visited Kenya eight years ago expecting a story about the rhino crisis, instead discovered a narrative of conservation success. He spent five years documenting the work and challenges faced by rangers in safeguarding Africa’s most threatened species.

The film highlights the 2024 translocation of 21 black rhinos to Loisaba Conservancy, a significant step aimed at establishing a new population in an area where the species had been absent for decades. Loisaba Board Chair Sophie Kinyua emphasized the film’s focus on the dedicated rangers on the front lines, their commitment, and the hope they bring to conservation. Kinyua stressed that conservation is a deeply human endeavor, not an abstract pursuit.

Following the screening, a panel discussion with Martienssen, rangers, conservation leaders, and veterinary experts explored the evolving landscape of rhino conservation in Kenya. Martienssen emphasized that the documentary goes beyond wildlife, capturing the dedication and trust that underpin Kenya’s conservation achievements, ensuring their stories reach a broader audience.