Winners of the Better World Video Awards

The two winning films show how a few individuals can help make the world a better place

Last summer, we launched the MPB Geographical Better World Video Awards and asked you to send us your videos about the people and the projects that are making the world a better place. In the months that followed, we received hundreds of inspiring films that share solutions to a range of global issues, from biodiversity loss to community resilience.

The winners of the two film categories (Individual entry and Group entry) were selected by a poll, with more than 20,000 Geographical readers voting on a shortlist of 50 films.

Special thanks to our sponsors MPB, the global platform for buying and selling used photo and video kit, and world-renowned eco-resort Wakatobi in Indonesia.

Winner: Individual entry category

Saving the Lungs of London, a film by Kingsley Obaseki

Saving the Lungs of London by filmmaker Kingsley Obaseki tells the inspiring story of the residents of a London housing estate who stepped in to stop council contractors from mistakenly cutting down a rare, native tree in their local park. Encouraged by their success, they formed a group of volunteers who continue to preserve and develop the green space for both the local people and wildlife.

Obaseki, a recent film graduate with a masters in documentary production, is no stranger to solo filmmaking. In 2022, he travelled to the forests of Gashaka-Gumti, Nigeria’s largest national park, to document the efforts of the local rangers who work to protect the local wildlife.

‘For me, making documentaries is about sharing important stories. Bad news often dominates media headlines, but when you really look, you see that there are positive stories all around us. People are doing really valuable work to tackle problems. Sometimes you hear those stories and you think, wow, I wish other people could hear about it too. And that’s why I made Saving the Lungs of London.

‘When I saw the news about the MPB Geographical Better World Video Awards, I was 100 per cent positive it was the right place for my documentary. The purpose of the competition was in line with what my documentary was about, which is showing what common people and organisations are doing to sustain our environment.

‘I’m very pleased my work gets to be recognised in a relevant competition and can’t wait for more opportunities to tell more stories. Many thanks to Friends of Meath Garden, everyone who voted for me and Geographical Magazine for the opportunity.’

Prize

Obaseki wins a US$3,000 voucher for a trip to Wakatobi Dive Resort on the remote Indonesia island of Sulawesi. Wakatobi is an eco-resort that promotes sustainable tourism and, in partnership with the local Indigenous population, has transformed the health of the surrounding reefs and marine life. Read more about the resort’s conservation success here.

Winner: Group entry category

Broken: The Brick Kiln Donkeys of Egypt, a film by Orange Planet Pictures

In 2023, filmmaker and founder of Orange Planet Pictures Andrew Telling and actor and animal activist Peter Egan embarked on a journey to the Al Gisa desert in Egypt. They were accompanied by Safe Haven 4 Donkeys, a British charity working to provide treatment to injured and unwell donkeys and to offer education and support for their owners. In Egypt, donkeys are used to transport the clay bricks used in building construction. Many face long hours of labour and mistreatment.

Telling, who works with a small team of filmmakers, founded Orange Planet Pictures to shed light on conservation and animal welfare issues around the world. He has helped to expose the abuse of Asian elephants kept to entertain tourists in Thailand; the desperate situation of Asiatic black bears at bear bile farms in China and Vietnam; and the ongoing battle against rhino poaching in South Africa.

‘When Peter Egan and I witnessed the incomprehensible abuse endured by the Egyptian brick kiln donkeys, we realized the critical importance of the work undertaken by Safe Haven 4 Donkeys and their Egyptian partners. Right before our eyes, we saw them bring a donkey back to life – it was breathtaking to witness the process. From lying immobile on the ground to standing on its feet and grazing in a small patch of grass within a matter of hours.

‘We decided to enter the Geographical Awards with the hope of sharing our experiences and demonstrating how these lives can be saved through acts of compassion.

‘Orange Planet Pictures is a not-for-profit production company with the sole purpose of creating films like Broken, raising awareness among a wider audience in the hope that people can recognize how dedication and kindness can save the lives of animals subjected to abuse and mistreatment at the hands of humans.

‘This award is fantastic, not just for Peter and myself, but for Andy, Heather, Wendy, and everyone at Safe Haven 4 Donkeys, as well as Eslam Yassin, Dr. Shabaan Fayez, and their dedicated teams who are on the ground at the Egyptian kilns every single day. And, of course, for every donkey currently being whipped and beaten under the scorching Egyptian sun.

‘None of them will be forgotten as long and charities like Safe Haven 4 Donkeys exist.‘

Prize

Orange Planet Pictures wins a £500 voucher for MPB, the global platform for buying and selling used photo and video kit, and £1,000 to be donated to a charity of choice: Safe Haven 4 Donkeys.