Berty’s Journey Exploring Indigenous Knowledge in the Suid-Bokkeveld A participatory film

Document Abstract / Summary Overview

I believe that every plant on Earth has a purpose”, says Barry Koopman to his son Berty when asked about traditional use of plants found in the veld. Berty is one of six young people traversing the Suid-Bokkeveld to visit community elders. They hope to learn about local indigenous knowledge, some of it going back to times when Khoisan people lived entirely off the productivity of Nature. To capture this wisdom, the group has decided to make a film which they will be able to use in stimulating community discussion about the value of wisdom gathered over many generations. By the end of their road-trip they find that they have made some meaningful discoveries about their heritage, and are able to articulate their hopes for the future.