Written by Zeldi Smulders

You've likely heard the saying "Go where the wind takes you". But for one individual, these words were taken to heart and transformed into action. In this month's Channels for Change, we follow a Dutchman with a dream in the documentary Follow the Wind. Featuring Jerrie de Kop, a professional kitesurfer, the film starts with a bang as Jerrie states: “I want to be the first person to ever snow kite on the Kilimanjaro.”

September’s Binge: Follow the Wind

“Don’t let our future dry up before our eyes.” – Desmond Tutu, Nobel Prize Winner & Justdiggit Ambassador

Brief Summary 

Directed by Bob van de Gronde and presented by Red Bull TV and Merrell, Follow the Wind takes viewers on a breathtaking expedition that transcends mere adventure, showcasing the power of the human spirit to have a positive effect on the planet's wellbeing. During a runtime of only 38 minutes, Jerrie uses the wind to navigate between the beautiful Indian Ocean and the icy summits of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. His purpose? To bring attention to the ecological dangers facing the area with the hopes of creating a tailwind for those helping to deal with it.

Available on: Waterbear

The Sustainability Factor

Overall: 4/5

Jerrie's ambitious wind-powered journey from Zanzibar to Kilimanjaro, the world's tallest freestanding mountain, is no easy feat. As the story unfolds, The mission takes on a profound reality as we uncover why he wants to do this. Jerrie is raising awareness. We discover that the snow on the mountain is melting (oops – Jerry needs snow to complete his mission) and a significant drought has been brought on due to global warming. Rainfall is decreasing, and the rivers that usually flow from the mountains have now dried up. This drought has affected wildlife life zebras, wildebeest, buffalo elephants, and hippos. Even the nomadic Masaai people of this area feel the impact as they reveal that Kilimanjaro, known to them as the 'White Mountain', plays an important role in the livelihood of their people and provides vital water resources.

Jerrie de Kop's journey is not just a quest for personal triumph, but a platform to spotlight the pressing ecological challenges that loom over the region. Against the backdrop of Kilimanjaro's melting glaciers and the ensuing drought, the film weaves a narrative that underscores the urgency of climate action. He does this by channelling his passion for kitesurfing into a mission of environmental advocacy.

The documentary spotlights an incredible initiative known as Justdiggit, dedicated to regreening the environment and providing a clear call to action to show your support. By employing a humble tool – the shovel – Justdiggit aims to retain water on the ground, fostering increased vegetation and creating a ripple of positive impacts on the ecosystem while also luring back wildlife to flourish.

The Viatu Review  

Themes

The film beautifully captures the warmth of Tanzanian hospitality, as evidenced through heartwarming connections – a young boy's inspired smile on Zanzibar's shores or a seasoned balloon pilot's aerial perspectives honed over a decade. One such connection stands out as we catch a glimpse of the remarkable ascent up the mountain peak and the film introduces us to Jerrie's seasoned guide – a Kilimanjaro climbing record-setter. This guide not only accompanies him on the journey and imparts valuable insights into the evolving landscape but also serves as a remarkable support for Jerrie, cheering him on until the end.

As it is pointed out in the film, Jerry comes across as a quiet guy, however, what defines him more is his great passion. When he speaks, you hear great enthusiasm and authenticity. But you need more than a likeable personality to make a documentary worth watching and Jerry has that covered. A sense of adventure also kicks in and keeps you engaged. The pressure builds as the difficulty level increases and he moves from the ‘flatter’ beginnings to the great ascend.

Production 

Follow the Wind does its storytelling through an interesting mix of visuals and sound, whether it be drone shots and personal cam recording, or the inclusion of funky music that gives you all of the holiday vibes. The camera work captures both the grandeur of nature and the human connections that Jerrie forms along his journey, with a smooth transition from being lighthearted to dramatic, while the narrator’s bantering tone keeps you engaged along the way. It’s worth looking out for the smaller details as the wind itself becomes a character in its own right, a testament to the filmmakers' skill in bringing nature to life on screen. All in all, this film’s concept is well executed – attention-grabbing, heartwarming and real.

What Makes it Different 

This film shows us the beauty of Tanzania from unique wind-powered perspectives like blokarting and hot air ballooning. During the course of the film, Jerrie overcomes his obstacles and his resilience serves as an inspiration, connecting you to the cause. Altogether, this is not only an action-packed story of sports and adventure but it also delves into the lives of various individuals and the profound impact of Earth's transformations. Moreover, it intertwines personal triumph with collective responsibility.

Follow the Wind is a story of human ambition, environmental consciousness, and the unyielding spirit of adventure. This is a story that illuminates the potential of one person, a reminder that the wind of change is a force that can be harnessed for a better future. We won’t give any spoilers as to how this story plays out but we can tell you to anticipate an ending that leaves you uplifted.

Viatu is using travel as a force for good. Whether tracing Jerrie's path along the Indian Ocean or Tanzania or choosing your own unique African adventure, our travel experts will match you with the perfect trip that will have a positive impact on the destinations you choose. The winds of change beckon – follow our journey on Instagram or contact us to get your sustainable travel questions answered.