Near the River

For Chrispine Mutanuka and Henry Kapijimpanga, the decision to learn to kayak is an easy one: it’s a way to better their lives and provide for their families.
“The river is like a ladder. People can climb it to make a better life for themselves.” -Mukuma Makaye, Porter, Zambezi River.
As porters, Chrispine, Henry, and Mukuma Makaye carry the boats of visiting tourists in and out of the Zambezi Gorge, a roughly 30-minute hike that goes almost straight up. But soon, even this job-and their path upwards-could be gone, submerged under the reservoir of a controversial dam that threatens to take away their livelihood and vanish a globally renowned river.
Near the River, a film by Darby McAdams, highlights those who stand to lose the most should the Batoka Gorge Hydroelectric scheme flood the rapids of the Zambezi River.

[@suegjerset]

Amazing and sad at the same time. I hope kayakers who have paddled the Zambezi and utilized these porters support their cause.

[@yugenyama-0808]

their voices are what struck me first. big vowels and stretched syllables. Joy and lilting appreciation, humility and laughter. Beautiful people still inhabit Earth

[@BjarneSalen1]

Well done Darby and team. Great film!

[@mikelsarasola]

We will never learn, will keep falling in the same mistakes over and over again. Thanks for such a great film!

[@Labuenavida84]

Great video! Mukuma is a Legend!

[@timog.554]

Nice, Perfect vid !!! I like it. 🤙🏼🤙🏼🤙🏼

[@oscarhenry6243]

amazing

[@big1dog23]

Heaven forbid they dam that stretch.