National Geographic continues to impress with its latest addition to the Genius anthology series, this time shedding light on the impactful lives of civil rights icons MLK Jr. and Malcolm X.
The “Fit For A Queen” show precedes the release of the newest docu-series “QUEENS” on National Geographic, Disney+, and Hulu.
NEW YORK – OCTOBER 18: General atmosphere at the National Geographic Content Showcase at Hall des Lumieres on October 18, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Anthony Behar/PictureGroup for National Geographic)
Wednesday, October 18th, 2023. Hall des Lumieres, Manhattan, New York. — National Geographic, the editorial brand whose legacy is drenched in 135 years of vivid storytelling and exploration, hosted an inspirational gathering to celebrate its renowned explorers, which include a group of bright photographers, scientists, journalists, educators, producers and broad ranges of talent that share their journeys through documentaries at the Hall des Lumieres. The Hall opened its stunning doors to media press, influencers and explorers of the National Geographic family to host “A Night Of Storytelling’‘, an intimate content showcase sharing films and stories across a wide range of genres that include travel, adventure, exploration, science, history, culture, wildlife and much more. The content showcase, featured films to be aired in the coming months. National Geographic and its iconic yellow rectangle is synonymous with groundbreaking research, incomparable journalism and visually spectacular storytelling through pens, lenses of photography and film. Their award winning works are world renowned, taking its viewers into spaces and on journeys that would otherwise be inaccessible. Their trusted name has landed them the spot as the #1 brand on Instagram, further echoing the strength of its legacy. National Geographic credits its success to creating a platform that highlights transparency in storytelling that is only made possible by garnering the best photographers, explorers and creative talents in the world.
The event began with generous offerings of hors d’oeuvres and beverages of refreshing sparkling water, wine and champagne to sip as guests mingled on the ground level of the hall. Low lit and encapsulating, the ground level was illuminated with luminous hues of blue and ornamented a backdrop of transitioning images of wildlife. The space held a relaxing ambiance, preparing the guests for the main event upstairs. Upon entering, I checked in with the event hosts, placing my order for a choice of three available entrees: the Seared Atlantic Cod, served with fall Market vegetables, Marble potatoes and aioli and lemon Pistou; a Truffled Fall Orecchiette, the vegan dish, complemented with roasted butternut squash, shiitake, leeks and crispy sage; or the Grilled Filet, which was my preferred choice of the three and served with a side of rosti stuffed spinach, and red beet soubise.
After moments of mingling, the guests were escorted upstairs in small waves and led into the marble showroom floor. We welcomed by iridescent lights that projected waterfalls and cascaded behind the podium, and two extra long banquet tables, dressed with a white tablecloth, silverware, crystal wine glasses and dining ware. The two banquet tables were separated by foliage that ran parallel to one another, awaiting guests to be seated at their designated spaces. Once seated the media guests and the Nat Geo explorers, both nominated and award winning, sat interwoven at the tables and took the opportunity to share their respective up and coming documentaries.
I had the honor of dining beside Dr. Serena McCalla of “Science Fair: The Series”. Dr. Serena McCalla, ecstatic about her involvement with Nat Geo as a newly named explorer, gushed sharing her background and her excitement for the impact her work makes on education and her students. McCalla dedicates her life to advancing science education and research with the most promising youth in the world and has built the Jericho, New York, High School Science Research curriculum into one of the most preeminent science research programs globally. Her career in research education led her to founding the iResearch Corporation (iRC), a corporation that promotes excellence, inquiry and equity in science. The iRC encompasses a variety of research-centric programs that seek to unlock the potential in every science teacher and student while promoting scientific prowess in underserved communities. Dr. McCalla’s students are lauded annually for their success in the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) and Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS) competitions, as displayed in the National Geographic feature documentary “Science Fair” and the all-new upcoming series. McCalla aspires to support all students to make a difference by discovering something new within themselves and the world. “Science Fair: The Series” which has been nominated and won the Emmy and Peabody awards and premieres Dec. 10 on National Geographic; Dec. 11 on Disney+ and Hulu.
NEW YORK – OCTOBER 18: Courteney Monroe, President, National Geographic Content attends the National Geographic Content Showcase at Hall des Lumieres on October 18, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Anthony Behar/PictureGroup for National Geographic)
The opening remarks of the evening were held by Nat Geo’s President Courteney Monroe whose powerful statement reminded us all of the importance of our work and responsibility as media professionals and individuals. She inspired us to be mindful of our impact in our messages in the media and to remain vigilant in expressing the truth of what we offer to our readers and viewers alike,
“We are without question living in an extraordinary time. A time when factual accuracy and credibility in media have never been more essential. A time when optimism feels in short supply.” Monroe continues on to add, “It is in times like these that I believe National Geographic’s storytelling is more vital than ever. It contextualizes the complexities we face and it reminds us that the world is still an amazing and miraculous place, filled with beauty, awe and wonder… [tonight] we celebrate that storytelling and the power of National Geographic,” and with those words a night of storytelling began.
The presentation of Nat Geo’s, “A Night Of Storytelling,” was led by the National Geographic Executive team which included Nathan Lump, Senior Vice President and Editor In Chief; Tom McDonald, Executive Vice President of Global and Unscripted Content and Senior Vice President of Inclusive Content and Engagement, Karen Greenfield; along with Executive Vice President of Scripted and Documentary Films, Carolyn Bernstein.
NEW YORK – OCTOBER 18: Nathan Lump, SVP, Editor in Chief, National Geographic attends the National Geographic Content Showcase at Hall des Lumieres on October 18, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Anthony Behar/PictureGroup for National Geographic)
In between presentations, guest were appetizers of Crudite (heirloom carrots, red endives, Romanesco, watermelon radish and dried figs); spreads of Pine nut hummus, Cilantro Tahini, Fennel Chutney and garlic oil toasted baguettes and grilled Naan bread along with refreshing little Gem & blood Orange salads. Choice wines included Cotes du Rhone Mon Coeur, J.L. Chave Selection (Rhone Valley) and Sauvignon Blanc Lieu Dit (California).
NEW YORK – OCTOBER 18: Peggy Simpson attends the National Geographic Content Showcase at Hall des Lumieres on October 18, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Anthony Behar/PictureGroup for National Geographic)
Centered primarily on the 2023-2024 Fall/Winter slate and show lineups, the showcase included notable documentaries that piqued many of the guests’ interest, such as the Disney and Pixar inspired, “A Real Bug’s Life” (premiering on Disney+ Jan. 24) narrated by Awkwfina. The film takes an introspective look into nine different micro bug worlds around the globe and the tiny heroines that survive through their own miniature catastrophic scales they likely deem as “forces of nature” to survive day to day life. Other films included “QUEENS” (premiering March 4 on National Geographic; March 5 on Disney+ and Hulu) is Produced and Directed by Faith Musembi and narrated by Actress, Angela Bassett, is a documentary that features matriarchies and female leaders around the world to tell a story of sacrifice and resilience but also of friendship and love. “QUEENS” brings the natural world into focus through the female lens for the very first time. The seven-part series leverages cutting-edge technology to reveal surprising insights into how females in the natural world rise to power. The final episode of the series celebrates the women who have gone to the ends of the Earth and dedicated their lives to documenting and protecting animal queens found in nature.
“Photography” a documentary centered around notable photographers Cristina Mittermeier, Paul Nicklen, Dan Winters, Campbell Addy, Krystle Wright, Muhammed Muheisen and Anand Varma highlight the skilled visual artists who became renowned photographers and their life journeys that led to the inspiration behind their artistic medium. I was tipped by a fellow media professional in attendance to look more into London based photographer, Campbell Addy whose work and narratives highlights the expression of authentic emotions found in nature and casting underrepresented faces. I later became equally intrigued with Anand Varma’s work, whose photobook was given to the guests as gifts upon departure. More films showcased that stirred the crowd included “A Blink of An Eye”, “JFK”, Ceasar Milian’s, “Better Human, Better Dog”, and “Genius: MLK/X”,
NEW YORK – OCTOBER 18: Gina Prince- Bythewood and Reggie Rock- Bythewood attend the National Geographic Content Showcase at Hall des Lumieres on October 18, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Anthony Behar/PictureGroup for National Geographic)
created by multi-hyphenate Reggie Rock, explores the formative years, pioneering accomplishments and dueling philosophies of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. The showrunner of Apple TV+ series, “Swagger” holds notable credits include, “A Different World”, “Get On The Bus” and the film “Notorious” about famed lyricist Christopher Wallace whose life ended tragically in 1997.
Another notable explorer being honored at the event was the empathic Albert Lin of, “Lost Cities Revealed” sat adjacent of me and Serena McCalla. I had the pleasure of speaking one on one with the explorer post presentation. Lin takes a technologist’s approach to uncover humanity’s stories and explores new frontiers while honoring the artifacts and environment of the landscapes he explores. Passionate about the human experience, Lin began his career with the Valley of the Khans project, a technology-enabled search for Genghis Khan’s tomb. What makes his work spectacular is that Lin utilizes tools such as satellite imagery, crowdsourcing engines, machine learning, drones, and ground-penetrating radar permitted to search widely for archaeological sites while respecting the traditional beliefs of local Indigenous peoples. His ethical approach has also led him to survey the the First Emperor’s tomb in China and the Mayan Temples of Northern Guatemala. Lin is featured in the up and coming new season, “Lost Cities Revealed” premiering November 23, 2023
NEW YORK – OCTOBER 18: Mariana Van Zeller attends the National Geographic Content Showcase at Hall des Lumieres on October 18, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Anthony Behar/PictureGroup for National Geographic)
Last and certainly not least in the up and coming series, “TRAFFICKED WITH MARIANA VAN ZELLER” (Muck Media) Premieres January 17, 2024, on National Geographic; and January 18, 2024 on Hulu. I had the brief honor of meeting and photographing with the Emmy Award-nominated series host and creator Mariana van Zeller . In “TRAFFICKED,” the courageous journalist takes her viewers on an investigative and dangerous journey, exposing the inner workings of shadow markets, criminal organizations and trafficking networks around the world. In the upcoming season, the award-winning journalist Mariana van Zeller investigates new emerging underworlds: the trade in body parts, hired assassins, sextortion and the smuggling of people across the U.S. – Mexico border; and she will meet the players and learn the business behind the dark underworlds. Mariana puts her life at risk to better understand these multi trillion-dollar shadow industries and economies and the people behind them.
The evening closed with bite sized desserts choices of fresh fruit tartlets, pumpkin cheese cake bites, turtle brownies, and mini chocolate cookies; and an after dinner drink of Espresso Martinis (Vodka, Kahlua and simple syrup). Guest left with logo branded gift bags from National Geographic that included an illustrated story of the life of the late John Chaus, a young American missionary, killed on a remote island in North Sentinel Island; SPACE, a special Issue of National Geographic, released October 2023; an enormous 365 page photo-book, “INVISIBLE WONDERS (Photographs of the Hidden World)” by Ananad Varma (of Nat Geo’s original film, “Photography”); and a Home Pod mini, compliments of Apple and Nat Geo.
NEW YORK – OCTOBER 18: (L-R) David E. Miller, EVP & General Manager, National Geographic, Carolyn Bernstein, Executive Vice President, Global Scripted Content and Documentary Films at National Geographic, Nathan Lump, SVP, Editor in Chief, National Geographic, Courteney Monroe, President, National Geographic Content, Karen Greenfield, Senior Vice President of Content, Diversity and Inclusion, and Tom McDonald, EVP Global Factual & Unscripted, National Geographic attend the National Geographic Content Showcase at Hall des Lumieres on October 18, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Anthony Behar/PictureGroup for National Geographic)
The most impressive part about the evening was the very idea of the Executive board celebrating their talents and the work they all produced. Not only were the explorers all in solidarity about their joys, respect, admiration and thrilled with the opportunity to work for and with National Geographic as a platform; it speaks volumes in a professional work setting where the human capital that makes a company great, tend to go unnoticed. I have gained so much respect for this brand and organization based on this display of humility and the gratitude leadership has shown for the hands that move this publication and the celebration from Nat Geo leadership than any program or award the platform could ever air. I highly encourage you to tune in and follow this remarkable brand. They are, behind the scenes, everything they present to the world: richness, array of color, depth, substance, appreciation and an ever evolving story that moves our world forward.
The Central Park Conservancy, in partnership with National Geographic, kicked off their 20th Annual Central Park Conservancy Film Festival on Tuesday, August 15th with a screening of National Geographic’s The Space Race.
A pre-screening reception took place across the street at Central Park’s premier restaurant, The Tavern Green, just right across the street where the screening would later take place in Sheep Meadow. Among the guests in attendance were directors Lisa Cortés and Diego Hurtado de Mendoza, along with NASA astronaut Leland Melvin, who not only shared his insights and experiences in the film, but also served as one of the doc’s producers. Enjoying a selection of charcuterie and small bites, along with a pasta bar and a wine bar, guests mingled as a jazz band played in the back.
Attendees were then directed to head over to Sheep Meadow to a private viewing area to watch The Space Race on an inflatable screen. Each guest received a National Geographic swag bag with a waterproof blanket and a selection of sustainable and plant-based snacks to enjoy during the film.
The Space Race, which made its official premiere at the Tribeca Festival back in June, was an eye-opening deep-dive into the history of Black Americans in NASA, and the unjust barriers they had to overcome that, ultimately, prevented some trailblazers, such as Captain Ed Dwight, from taking part in our country’s earliest space missions. Yet, it came with much satisfaction to hear everyone cheer for Nichelle Nichols (who passed away in July of last year) as the film featured a PSA in which the Star Trek star spoke to everyone, including “minorities and women alike,” to apply to NASA. “Now is YOUR time,” she said, giving the brilliant minds she had already inspired as Lt. Nyota Uhura the push they needed to shoot for their dreams.
Thanks to a documentary like The Space Race, every Black astronaut who answered that call, and those who paved the way for them to find their place in NASA, now have their legacy cemented in the stars—where future astronauts can look up to them in awe.
“Wild Life” is a visually stunning film that showcases the beauty and diversity of Patagonia’s landscapes and wildlife. It also provides a compelling look at the complex issues surrounding conservation and the role that private individuals and organizations can play in protecting wild places.
On Tuesday, “Wild Life” premiered in New York to a packed crowd at the Museum of Modern Art.
Whether you’re Chris Hemsworth or a journalist for the Knockturnal we all get stressed out.
Spiders, taxes, birthday party planning and heights are amongst the top stressors. The last of which, got Chris Hemsworth and me sweating bullets.
National Geographic organized members of the media to scale Hudson Yards skyscraper with City Climb to promote their show “Limitless with Chris Hemsworth.” We strapped into a harness and up we went.
Dr. Module Akinola prepped us for the high altitude, high stress trek. Hemsworth also got the spiel. She appears in the first episode of the series to equip the “Thor” star with valuable de-stressing tools before he walks atop a Sydney skyscraper.
In the episode, and at Hudson Yards, she explained the box breathing method. Imagine a box. Start at one corner. Inhale for four seconds. On to the next corner. Hold your breath for four seconds. Next corner. Exhale for four seconds. Last corner. Hold for seconds. Repeat.
I did the exercise, as did Hemsworth, and made my way up. The piece de resistance was leaning over the edge of the skyscraper, stretching myself over all of New York City with two straps and a harness preventing me from plummeting hundreds of feet. Flouting the conventional wisdom of “don’t look down,” I indeed stared down at all the ant-size people walking around lower Manhattan.
Akinola, an Associate Professor at the Columbia Business School, spoke to The Knockturnal about her experience working with Hemsworth and National Geographic on the series as well as practical tips we can all use in our daily lives to calm down. One of the big takeaways from the interview, the episode and the series writ large is we all experience stress. As we do aging, death, illness, physical strain etc. You can be a Marvel superhero from Asgard and still face human challenges like the rest of us. The key is not to dread these as ailments, but to accept them as inevitable parts of humanity and learn to confront them.
It starts with the end.
National Geographic’s “Limitless with Chris Hemsworth” aired its sixth and final episode at the Jazz at the Lincoln Center premiere on Nov 15.
The show, which is available for streaming on Disney +, puts Hemsworth through physical trials — from high wire walks to ice plunges. The last episode, however, gives the “Thor” actor a trial of a more metaphysical nature.
The title is “Acceptance.” Hemsworth spends three days in a retirement community preparing for death. It’s a meditative episode to close out the stunt-filled series.
“I lost both my parents this year,” said series creator Darren Aronofsky at the post-screening panel. “As I was losing my mom, I watched it on the couch with my dad next door to my mom as she was passing. Half way through I paused and asked, ‘Is this ok?’ Because there’s a lot of heavy shit going on. He was like, ‘Yeah, keep it going.”
Aronofsky said watching the cut of the final episode was “extremely helpful” for him in coping with the deaths of his parents.
Along with “Limitless,” Aronofsky has been promoting his film “The Whale,” which premiered to plaudits at TIFF. It too deals with grief and family.
Hemsworth had family on his mind after the final episode. “It made me think about my family in a more intense way and my kids,” he said. “And not taking anything for granted.”
His big takeaway from making the series is to live in the present. “It’s the narrative in the past and the future that can scare us and become overwhelming,” he said.
An interactive reception followed the screening and panel. Attendees could take pictures in front of a green screen, strap on VR helmets to get a taste of the high octane thrills and take a seat in zero gravity chairs. The event kicked off with a man grappling down a rope from a cable car on the ceiling.
All six episodes are available for streaming on Disney +.
The Territory brings an indigenous voice to the digital age, to document an ancient and dire conflict. Released by National Geographic and directed by Alex Pritz, the film was shot in concert with an Uru-eu-wau-wau film team. The Uru-eu-wau-wau have been using the technology to document the illegal logging, mining, and theft of their land. They were first contacted in 1981 and disease decimated their population. The situation in the Amazon mirrors the American west a few generations ago. The Uru-eu-wau-wau number 183 and their film crews patrol a territory triple the size of Delaware.
On the banks of the river, the film group forms a circle before they go on patrol. They all wear matching shirts with the word Vigilancia written in yellow. 18 year old Bitate says they are experiencing the same struggle their ancestors did, but now they have different tools. Along with bows and arrows, they prepare cell phones, cameras, and drones. The film is worth watching if only to see a group of teenage natives in screen printed T-shirts and war paint arrest an intruder at arrow point, tell him he needs a face mask, spray his hands with hand-sanitizer, and vlog it.
Producer Gabriel Uchida told the panel that he was drawn to the film while trying to make a project about war. The Territory documents a war that indigenous teenagers have been forced into. With the help of the digital age, they’re fighting with control over their narratives. When Bitate spoke on the panel, the translator used the word strengthen when Bitate described how filmmaking would help his tribe.
The visuals are a welcome reminder of what National Geographic does best. The shapes and colors of the rainforest are as captivating as ever. The documentary also relies on interviews with those who are slowly destroying the Amazon. Intrepid farmers, surrounded by burnt trees, calmly stake their claim to the land in quasi religious terms. It might seem odd that the documentary got access to the same group they’re exposing. Alex Pritz explained that it was easy to speak with the farmers if you were American. Their belt buckles and cowboy hats communicate a clear admiration for the American colonial project.
Brazil’s president, Jair Bolsonaro, has been touted as a Latin American Trump. At the beginning of the film Bitate watches a campaign speech where he tells an enthused audience, “There won’t be one more inch of indigenous reservation.” The Uru-eu-wau-wau territory is located in Rondonia, where he received almost 80% of the vote. Many Brazilian activists have been murdered during his presidency. The film documents a threat against the daughter of Nedinha, an activist and another protagonist. Nedinhia is a fierce defender of the Amazon. Along with Bitate, Alex, and indigenous activist Txai, she spoke on the panel after the film. She explained that Uru-eu-wau-wau territory was not just another random swath of jungle. Their territory hosts over 80% of the world’s biodiversity. Protecting the Amazon is a matter of protecting our planet.
Get ready for all the flavors under the sun in “World Of Flavor With Big Moe Cason” streaming only on National Geographic.
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