Manu Akatsa is a documentary filmmaker, cinematographer and animator with a passion for natural history and cultural preservation. Akatsa’s work captures the beauty and complexity of the world around us while also highlighting the importance of preserving our planet's rich natural and cultural heritage. Born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya, he was exposed to the biodiversity and cultural diversity of his homeland from a young age and developed a keen eye for detail and a deep appreciation for the power of visual storytelling. He believes that, through his films, he can inspire people to reconnect with nature, protect it and appreciate the deep cultural heritage that has evolved alongside it. Akatsa recently collaborated with Freehand Studios to co-create Uli & Tata's African Nursery Rhymes, a 2D-animated children's series that follows Uli and her brother Tata on their adventures in search of Africa's disappearing nursery rhymes. Akatsa believes this will play an important role in fostering a sense of connection to the natural world, positive self-identity and encouraging conservation among children. He continues to push the boundaries of storytelling by collaborating with Indigenous communities and using modern, innovative technologies to create immersive and interactive experiences for his viewers.

Photo by Naomi O'Callaghan