Part of the assignment as a videographer and photographer on the story of Magawa the hero rat for Apopo was to produce a video to be shown at the PDSA annual awards ceremony.
The PDSA Animal Awards Programme recognises the role of animals in society that have shown extraordinary bravery and exceptional devotion to duty. The medal is the animal equivalent of the George Medal and it is predominantly awarded to animals who have served in conflict zones, post-conflict zones, post-disaster areas and with the police.
Previously the medal has previously been awarded to dogs. Magawa was the first rat to win the award.
Magawa was going to travel to London to receive the award, but due to Covid, the ceremony was held virtually and the videography work I did formed part of the ceremony, with Magawa being handed the medal, one of his handlers talking about the incredible work he’s done and beneficiaries talking about how mine clearing operations undertaken by Magawa have changed their lives.
Some of the footage from the shoot was given to international news agencies and publications. It was great to see how the different agencies used my footage to tell Magawa’s story in so many different way. Videos including my footage were published by CNN, Ruptly and many others.