Wheels for the Wild: Serengeti & Master Mechanics

Director: Jigar Ganatra, Philipp Grieß

Producer: Patrick Hörl, Andreas Martin, Julia Göring

Producer Company: Autentic Studios

Agency: -

Client: -

Country: Tanzania, United Republic of

Synopsis

In Tanzania, old Land Rovers are transformed into custom jeeps for unforgettable safari adventures. Near Tanzania famous Ngorongoro and Serengeti conservation areas lies Arusha, where a unique business thrives. Amid the sound of hammers clanging and welding torches sparking, a community of young car mechanics breathes new life into disused cars. Old Land Rovers that would only end up on the scrapyard in Europe, are transformed into custom safari jeeps for tourists eager to explore Tanzania's natural wonders. The car mechanics; specialty: lengthening vehicles to accommodate more people. It is a business that is full of creativity, craftsmanship and also stands for the hope of a brighter future. Even though they are a close-knit community, competition is fierce. Every project, every job and every vehicle is a little different - this is recycling and upscaling on a whole new level. Their latest challenge: designing a safari jeep specially equipped for photo safaris.

Objectives

“Wheels for the Wild” offers an authentic look behind the scenes of the booming safari industry. Hardly anyone knows the work and skill behind the highly polished safari vehicles. The film aims to celebrate the people behind this work. Their creativity and craftsmanship are made visible and show how recycling and upcycling are practiced here in its purest form. It is also a story of self-empowerment and the hope for a better future, how these people can succeed far away from western standards. The film not only aims to show the fascinating craftsmanship and technical work on the safari jeeps, but also to build a bridge between the worlds with the authentic and personal stories of our protagonists: Between the world of safari tourism and that of the locals in a typical East African town like Arusha.