JONATHAN BENAIAH

DOCUMENTARY FILMMAKER & FIXER

Born and raised in Kampala, Uganda, with life partly lived in Europe and North America, Jonathan Benaiah is a conservation filmmaker and photographer drawn to stories rooted in land and lived experience. His work is shaped by time spent in forests, wetlands, and rural communities, observing how people and wildlife quietly coexist, and sometimes clash.

His previous films include the award-winning Sempa: The Lost Chimpanzees of Kyambura and The Chimp Island, both focused on primate conservation and the fragile ecosystems they inhabit. Across his projects, Jonathan is interested in the tension between survival, development, and preservation and in the emotional weight carried by landscapes themselves.

Through his films and The Jonathan Benaiah Podcast, he continues to document stories from across East Africa that reflect memory, identity, and ecological responsibility.

With his most recent film BULWE: Wings of Mabamba, he focuses on the fishermen and guides of Mabamba Swamp and their shared role in safeguarding one of the world’s most important shoebill populations.

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Services Showreel

Film Production

I provide creative and production support for documentaries, branded content, podcasts, and cinematic storytelling projects across East Africa. From early concept development to filming and final delivery, I help bring meaningful stories to life through authentic, visually driven storytelling rooted in culture, wildlife, travel, and human experience. Whether working with independent creators or larger productions, I enjoy turning ambitious ideas into compelling films.

Film Fixing

I work with international filmmakers, journalists, photographers, brands, and production companies filming in Uganda and across East Africa, providing dependable on-ground production support tailored to each project’s needs. From permits, logistics, crew sourcing, and equipment hire to story research, location scouting, and field coordination, I help productions navigate the region smoothly while ensuring stories remain authentic and impactful.