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Black Bean Productions

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Black Bean Productions

Black Bean Productions is an independent production company based in Cape Town, South Africa. We produce high quality commercial & documentary film.

Black Bean Productions is based in Cape Town, and is an independent production company. Join us on our adventures and work with us as we strive to make a difference.

24/04/2025

Today, on World Malaria Day, we highlight a disease that is both preventable and curable, yet still affects millions.

In 2023, malaria took a devastating toll, with 263 million cases reported globally and nearly 600,000 lives lost. The majority of these cases and deaths were in Africa, where children under five accounted for 76% of malaria-related deaths.

While on assignment with Malaria No More in Rwanda, we captured stills that speak to the strength and humanity of those both affected and on the front lines: doctors, community health workers, and individuals at the heart of vulnerable communities. Their stories are a powerful reminder that malaria is more than a medical issue; it is a matter of justice and equity.

Now more than ever, we need collective action, investment, and awareness to help bring an end to this disease. Let us not look away; let us stand together and drive change.

Visit to see how you can make a difference.
www.malarianomore.org/donate

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22/04/2025

Today, on Earth Day, we pause to reflect on the great privilege we’ve had as a film production crew, travelling across different landscapes and capturing stories that truly matter.

From the wide-open plains of the Serengeti to the icy, untouched landscapes of Antarctica, our journeys have not only improved our craft but deepened our respect for the natural world. With every step taken and every shot captured, we’ve seen both stunning beauty and quiet vulnerability, reminders of all that we stand to lose.

Each project has been a reminder of the wonder and fragility of our planet. These moments fuel our passion and drive to tell stories that connect people to nature and to each other. Thanks to all the boots on the ground from the rangers to the scientists dedicating their lives to our planet.

At Black Bean Productions, we believe in the power of storytelling to spark real change. This Earth Day, let’s all take a moment to listen, learn, and act to protect our home and look after its invaluable resources for generations to come. Together, we can make a difference.

15/04/2025

The only penguin species native to Africa is the African penguin. They are unique, charismatic, and full of personality. With their pink eye patches and playful waddle, they’ve become a beloved part of our coastline.

However, their numbers are rapidly declining. They are now only a step away from becoming extinct in the wild after being reclassified as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). If we lose them, we lose a piece of Africa’s natural heritage.

To learn more about this iconic species, check out our Conservation Spotlight in our stories and visit sanccob.co.za/get-involved to get involved and make a difference.

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10/04/2025

While the Chem Chem film tells the story in motion, we also want to take a moment to celebrate the stills captured by our very own

James has a unique way of seeing and feeling a story through his lens, and the stills he took on this assignment are truly something. They beautifully capture the essence of Chem Chem—the people, the wildlife, and the landscape. We’re incredibly proud of the visual story he’s told through these powerful stills.

19/03/2025

Botswana on Film

On our recent assignment in the Okavango Delta, captured some stills on his film camera.

Botswana has been having an amazing rainy season—transforming the landscape into lush green plains. Always great to see stills like this with a behind-the-scenes look at Team Bean hard at work, driven by passion and dedication to capturing the story.

17/03/2025

Team Bean is back from an incredible shoot in Kenya, where we spent over a week capturing some truly breathtaking content for

But beyond the visuals, what made this trip so special—like every shoot we do—was connecting with the local communities. That’s something we’ll always prioritise, no matter where we go.

Kenya holds such a special place in our hearts, and every visit is a reminder of its beauty, warmth, and endless inspiration. We had an absolute blast creating in such an incredible place, and we can’t wait to share what we captured!

26/02/2025

”It was their individuality combined with the shyness of their behaviour that remained the most captivating impression of this first encounter with the greatest of the great apes.” - Dian Fossey

This quote captures what makes gorillas so fascinating. Their quiet intelligence and reserved nature make them feel both mysterious and approachable. Each gorilla has its own personality, which stands in contrast to how we often view wild animals as distant or untouchable.

Their shyness, paired with their incredible strength, makes them seem both powerful and vulnerable at the same time, leaving a lasting impression. It’s this mix of complexity and emotional depth that makes them so special.

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20/02/2025

It is always such a treat when James gets back from a safari trip with the amazing stills he takes on these trips.

Last week he was in Akagera National Park, and it’s a truly special place. Located in eastern Rwanda, with its mix of savannah, woodlands, and wetlands. This diverse landscape is home to a wide range of wildlife, being the only park in Rwanda where one can see the Big Five, along with zebras, giraffes, and antelopes.

What makes Akagera even more incredible is its conservation success. After struggling with poaching and habitat loss, the park has made an impressive recovery. Thanks to efforts from the Rwandan government and African Parks, lions were reintroduced in 2015, and black rhinos followed in 2017, bringing the park back to life as a thriving ecosystem. It’s a true example of how conservation can make a difference.

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12/02/2025

Hidden deep within Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda, Kyambura Gorge is a breathtaking rainforest that shelters a small, isolated troop of 29 chimpanzees—often called the “lost chimpanzees” because they’re completely cut off from other populations.

With no way to mix with other groups, they face the growing risk of genetic inbreeding and habitat loss. To protect them, Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust and the Jane Goodall Institute have been working to restore habitats, reduce human-wildlife conflict, and create a wildlife corridor to reconnect them with other chimps. A buffer zone and wetland restoration project now give them a safer space to roam, while local conservation programs, like sustainable coffee farming and eco-tourism, help communities benefit from protecting the gorge.

But with deforestation, human encroachment, and pollution still threatening their future, continued conservation efforts are more important than ever to keep Kyambura’s chimps from disappearing forever.

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05/02/2025

The Galápagos marine iguana and the Galápagos land iguana are two incredible reptiles found nowhere else on Earth.

Our crew had an amazing chance to visit the Galápagos Islands last year and see both up close in their natural habitats. The marine iguana is the only lizard that swims and feeds in the ocean, with dark skin and a flattened tail that helps it move through the water. It often basks on coastal rocks, soaking up the sun after a cold dive. The land iguana, on the other hand, lives in dry, inland areas, has yellowish-brown scales, and feeds mostly on cacti.

While they may look somewhat similar, their lifestyles are completely different. Seeing these unique iguanas in the wild was a powerful reminder of just how special and diverse Galápagos wildlife truly is.

Slide 1 & 3: Land Iguana
Slide 2 & 4: Marine Iguana

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20/01/2025

Today is Penguin Awareness Day, a time to appreciate these incredible birds that thrive in some of the most extreme environments on Earth.

Penguins, from the majestic Emperor penguin in Antarctica to the endangered African penguin in Cape Town, are known for their unique adaptations to cold climates.

Last year, during a shoot on the Antarctic Peninsula, our crew witnessed firsthand the abundance of penguins in their natural habitat. It was a reminder of the resilience and charm of these remarkable creatures.

Let’s take a moment to learn more about penguins and support efforts to protect their habitats from climate change and human impact.

13/01/2025

Mountain gorillas are a remarkable conservation success story.

Once critically endangered due to habitat loss, poaching, and disease, mountain gorillas have steadily rebounded thanks to decades of dedicated conservation efforts. These gorillas inhabit the dense forests of the Virunga Mountains and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where initiatives like anti-poaching patrols, community engagement, and ecotourism actively protect them, fund conservation, and benefit local economies.

Today, the population has risen to over 1,000 individuals, showcasing the power of collaboration between conservationists, governments, and local communities in safeguarding this keystone species.

📷 These stills were taken while on assignment for by

07/01/2025

As we step into the new year, the Black Bean team is filled with excitement for the productions ahead.

We look forward to growing in our craft, telling more powerful stories about the incredible people working in environmental and humanitarian spaces.

Each project we take on is an opportunity to shine a light on their impact, and we are deeply grateful for the chance to bring these unique stories to life through film.

Every story we tell is as distinct as the people behind it, and we can’t wait to continue this journey, growing together as a crew along the way.

Here’s to the stories that 2025 holds!

20/12/2024

Everything is connected. Humanity and nature are inextricably linked, no matter where we live—whether in bustling cities or villages near wildlife reserves. Our actions ripple through this shared ecosystem, impacting one another in profound ways.

At Black Bean Productions, we are passionate about capturing a diverse range of humanitarian and environmental stories, but our core mission is to reveal the threads that bind it all together. Nature is humanity’s shared heritage, and when it is harmed, we all feel the effects. But the reverse is also true: when we nurture and uplift people, we create a foundation for protecting the planet.

Whether it’s addressing gender-based violence, combating the illegal wildlife trade, or relocating elephants to rewilded spaces, the connection is clear—helping people helps nature, and helping nature helps people. When individuals have access to education, opportunities, and hope, they are more likely to care for the natural world. Together, we can build a future where both humanity and the planet thrive.

18/12/2024

As we wrap up 2024, we can’t help but look back on the incredible journey we’ve had this year.

From the icy landscapes of Antarctica to the lush forests of Ecuador, the magical Knysna Forest, and the one-of-a-kind Galápagos Islands, we’ve been lucky enough to explore some of the most amazing places on Earth. We’ve also returned to the heart of Malawi, wandered through the mountains of Rwanda and Uganda, explored the open plains of the Serengeti, and had amazing wildlife sightings in Botswana.

This year, we had the privilege of collaborating with incredible organisations doing vital work in both the environmental and humanitarian spaces. From supporting Masi Violin Outreach’s mission to provide music education in underserved communities to partnering with Lessons in Conservation, who are shaping the next generation of conservationists, we’ve been inspired by the positive change happening around us. We’ve also worked alongside Offset8 Capital to help drive sustainable projects and combat deforestation in Malawi, Upwell’s research on the sea turtle lost years at sea, and the EWT’s dedication to protecting wildlife. These partnerships have truly reinforced the importance of working together to create a better future.

Thank you to our core Bean Team for all the hard work this year, as well as to our extended crew who helped us on various productions throughout the year!

Each place, every shoot, and the incredible people we’ve met along the way have shaped us—not just as a crew, but as individuals. We’re beyond grateful for the opportunities and memories 2024 has brought, and we’re so excited to continue this adventure with you all in 2025.

Here’s to the people, the stories, and the places that made this year so special.

17/12/2024

Over the weekend, Team Bean attended the .in.conservation and Big Impact event.

It was a lovely evening spent with like-minded people who share a deep passion for conservation. It was truly inspiring to see how Lessons in Conservation began and to witness how much they have grown over the years—impacting the lives of countless youths in rural communities.

Seeing our films being screened was incredibly meaningful to us, and we are grateful to have played a small part in the growth of such an amazing organisation.

We are excited to see how many more lives will be impacted by the work Lessons in Conservation does, and we wish them a very successful 2025.

09/12/2024

Team Bean is so excited to head back to Uganda today for our final shoot of 2024, wrapping up the year at Kibale Lodge at

Uganda always leaves us in awe – the stunning landscapes, the incredible wildlife, and the kindness of its people make it such a special place. From the lush Kibale Forest to the breathtaking views of the Rwenzori Mountains, every trip reminds us how lucky we are to experience it.

Ending the year here feels like the perfect way to celebrate all the beauty this amazing country has to offer.

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03/12/2024

Over the weekend we attended ‘s End of Year Music Festival and boy was it a fun filled day!

A day full of music and laughter. It was such a special event and we are excited to see how has grown over the years - making a positive impact on the youth of Masiphumelele.

The visited the concert and treated us with music that had everyone on their feet and dancing around.

Congratulations on a successful concert - looking forward to all the ones stills to come.

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Address

216 Albert Road, Woodstock
Cape Town

Opening Hours

Monday	08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday	08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday	08:00 - 17:00
Thursday	08:00 - 17:00
Friday	08:00 - 17:00

Website

http://www.blackbeanproductions.com/

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