jacha the ape man potgieter

jacha the ape man potgieter

by | Jun 26, 2025 | environment, making a difference

Jacha ‘The Ape Man’ Potgieter is a conservation artist, conservationist, entrepreneur and all round animal lover. I challenge you to find someone more passionate about the conservation of apes. Born and raised in South Africa, Jacha now lives in Snowdonia with his Welsh wife Gwynneth.

Together they run businesses at the Betws-y-Coed Railway Station including the Alpine Coffee Shop, Hangin’ Pizzeria, the Alpine Apartments accommodation and Platform Galeri, 100% palm oil free businesses. It took them two years to replace all products containing palm oil in their businesses but they’ve successfully done it, proving that viable alternatives do exist. https://www.betwsrailwaystation.co.uk

In this short film, a conversation with Jacha, he speaks about his art, his motivation and what drives his action. From creating sculptures from used plastic to fund-raising and volunteering at ape refuges, his action is extensive, inspiring hope and motivation to make a difference. We’re fundraising for Ape Action Africa through this film, hoping to make a difference in our own small way. Please support this campaign and donate to an incredibly worthy cause. 

https://www.justgiving.com/page/ape-action-africa/

coming home

coming home

'Coming Home - Returning White Storks to the Land' is a short film about the relationship between Dorette, her...

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director’s fashion film playlist

director’s fashion film playlist

by | Feb 16, 2024 | fashion, fashion film, film, moving image

 

The fashion film director’s playlist is hosted on my YouTube Channel. This is a compilation of fashion films, branded content and online commercials that I have made.

coming home

coming home

'Coming Home - Returning White Storks to the Land' is a short film about the relationship between Dorette, her...

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director’s general playlist

director’s general playlist

by | Feb 16, 2024 | film, moving image

This director’s playlist is hosted on my YouTube Channel This is a compilation of short films, branded content and online commercials that I have directed. I will break this down into categories in future posts for more specific viewing.

coming home

coming home

'Coming Home - Returning White Storks to the Land' is a short film about the relationship between Dorette, her...

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gore® wear ss19

gore® wear ss19

by | Feb 15, 2024 | fashion, fashion film, film, moving image

In September 2018 I had the privilege of directing the shooting of the new Gore® Wear SS19 range of Fast Hiking and Trail Running clothing online commercials, purpose made outdoor apparel for extreme athletes.

The shoot was set in the beautiful and formidable Dolomites in South Tyrol, Italy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, perfect for the challenges Gore® Wear is made for.

This shoot was one of the most physically challenging shoots I’ve ever done, due to the altitude we worked at (I live at sea level!), but the results speak for themselves. Working with the right crew and talent makes all the difference. Huge respect to DoP Vale Rapp, his handheld tracking shots are the smoothest I’ve ever seen and his drone work outstanding! This was the first time that I worked with the DJI Mavic 2 Pro, featuring the collaboratively developed Hasselblad L1D-20c and the quality is exceptional.

Credits:

Client: Gore® Wear

Agency – 1000heads

Director – Deryck van Steenderen

DoP – Vale Rapp

Sound – Stephan Wieser

Editor – John Foxton

Stills Photographer – Harald Wisthaler

Fast Hiking Athletes: Eva Sperger and Jamie Ramsay

Trail Running Athletes: Yoann Stuck, Zac Marion and Amanda Basham

Location: Dolomites, South Tyrol

 

coming home

coming home

'Coming Home - Returning White Storks to the Land' is a short film about the relationship between Dorette, her...

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redefine pretty by em ford of my pale skin

redefine pretty by em ford of my pale skin

by | Nov 13, 2018 | creators for change, film, inspirational, life, love, moving image, The Universe

Does a film have the power to change the world? I believe it does.

When you’re making a film and pause, look around the set and see the crew completely quiet, fixated on what we’re shooting, some with tears in their eyes including yours, then you know that this is the one.

There’s a film I’ve been working on with Em Ford of My Pale Skin Blog, Director, blogger, YouTube #CreatorsforChange and influencer.

It’s the film that’s going to break the internet.

If you don’t believe me, see for yourself.

Photo of Aisha by Em Ford

coming home

coming home

'Coming Home - Returning White Storks to the Land' is a short film about the relationship between Dorette, her...

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must watch: dark side of the lens

must watch: dark side of the lens

by | Aug 14, 2017 | inspirational, moving image, photography, surf

I’ve added a new “Inspirational” category to my blog to share some of the things that inspire me as a photographer and film maker in the hope that they will move and inspire you too.

One of my all time favourite indie films is the multi award winning surf film “Dark side of the lens” by Mickey Smith of Astray Films. The film is beautifully made and gut punches me every time I watch it. Mickey perfectly captures why it is that he does what he does, reminding me of why I chose to become a photographer.

“I see life in angles. In lines of perspective. A slight turn of the head, the blink of an eye. Subtle glimpses of magic other folk might pass by.”

“Cameras help me translate, interpret and understand what I see, it’s a simple act that keeps me grinning.”

“I try to pay tribute to that magic through photographs.”

Stop what you’re doing and watch it now. I insist.