Renowned filmmaker, Philip Bloom, has just completed an incredible mini documentary shot during his recent stay with us at Londolozi Game Reserve. Filmed over two days, the documentary tells the story of the relationship between legendary Londolozi tracker, Elmon Mhlongo, and his partner, Ranger Dean Smithyman.
The piece runs just over 15 minutes in length so be sure to get the popcorn ready before you watch it.. 🙂
The Tracker & The Banker from Philip Bloom on Vimeo.
Our thanks to Philip for telling this great story and, of course, visiting us during your recent tour of South Africa. We look forward to welcoming you back.
If you haven’t seen Philips incredible blog about his stay with us, go check it out here
Elmon and Dean – The Tracker and the Banker
Directed, shot and cut by: Philip Bloom
Original music: Cedric Conti
Additional Photography: Rich Laburn & Dale Ballantine
Sound: Dale Ballantine & Ryan Rapapport
Assistant: Rick Joaquim
Dean & Elmon! Absolutely brilliant!
Amazing !!! Thanks for sharing
Lovely documentary.
Well done!
Philip,
An absoutely Incredible story…You should be so proud that you are doing exactly what you love….when I was a little girl I always dreamed about being in Africa with the animals….its always been a part of me….I will be leaving for my first overseas trip ever & I will be at Londolozi on November 24, 2012….Im super excited & very nervous at the same time.
Thank you so much for sharing your story….:)
Philip, thank you very much for sharing this (goosebump stuff!) What a great team they make!
I, Like Dean, was fortunate to spend my ranging days in the company of Elmon. Many many guests will account for his amazing skill and modest nature. A remarkable man who’s love for the bush is unsatiable. 40 years and still as passionate as the 1st day!
Greetings Nduna!
It’s not often that you get a documentary on those “behind the scenes”. I really enjoyed this even if it was only 15 minutes long.
I would definitely love to see a full documentary showing all the tough work that the trackers, rangers, and the rest of the staff at Londolozi go through on a daily basis. You guys may have some of the best wildlife views in the world available to your guests on a daily basis but none of that would be possible without the likes of Elmon and Dean.
I thank you all for the work you do and for sharing it with the rest of us.
“Oh AMAZING!” Simply put, completely captures everything unique and special about the Londolozi Reserve, the animals and the entire staff. You are ALL SIMPLY AMAZING! Thank you for that film!!
Loved every minute of this film. Thank you so much for sharing.
Wow! Really nice photography and a great story – I know a few bankers who would trade places with Dean in a heartbeat!
Awesome documentary! Proper FOMO
Thank you so much for this video. We were fortunate enough to be at Londolozi this past summer with our two boys. Both of our boys now spend their time dreaming of one day being able to return and be rangers.
Fantastic. Loved Elmon’s stories. Dean seems like a great guy. Lovely video – esp the slow motion stuff. Thanks heaps
interesting documentary. I have learnt a lot of it. Thank you.
Good work, you guys were the best team ever.
Having just arrived back in the US after our safari with Elmon and Dean, I was perusing this site to find out more about tracking. I am fascinated by Elmon’s effectiveness at locating a pride of lions by following the sound of a single early-morning roar. I am excited to have found this video, as it makes me feel like I am once again bumping thorough the bush in the rover, brimming with excitement for what lies just ahead.
The filmmaker has done a fantastic job of conveying the sagacity and synergy of this team. Dean’s reminder that “perhaps you won’t be here forever so you’ve got to maximize your time while you’re here” (~10:30) is astute advice for enjoying one’s time at Londolozi and for navigating life in general.
Nicely done.