Inspirational Women Taken Centre Stage on National Geographic this Month
Looking for something to lift your spirits while lockdown has got you down? Why not bask in the presence of some of history’s most influential and inspirational women with National Geographic? This month, National Geographic Channel (DStv channel 181) is shining a light on inspirational women with two series that are sure to excite, inspire, and educate.
National Geographic Presents: Impact with Gal Gadot
Premièring on Sunday 27 June 2021 at 21:00 (CAT) National Geographic Presents: Impact with Gal Gadot. The series is a compelling new documentary that follows the powerful stories of resilient young women around the globe who overcome obstacles and do extraordinary things.
As an introduction to this moving and heartening special and the women that are featured, a six-part short-form series is available on Youtube. Watch these first short films here.
Impact follows inspiring women living in communities marred by violence, poverty, trauma, discrimination, oppression and natural disasters, and yet, against all odds, they dare to dream, stand out, speak up and lead. The six brave women featured in the series include a 19-year-old college student in Puerto Rico who, after Hurricane Maria devastated the island, is on a mission to ensure that every person struggling has access to clean and safe water; a ballerina in the most dangerous area of Brazil, who through dance has created a community that lifts young girls towards a better future; a figure skater who has broken barriers in her sport and dedicates her life to coaching and empowering young girls of colour on and off the ice; and the first female chief of a coastal southern Louisiana tribe, who is expected to be among the first climate refugees in the United States, as she impacts the legacy of her ancestors, the lives of her community today and the future of her people.
“These are important, powerful stories of brave women demonstrating compassion, humanity, and resilience that deserve to be told and celebrated,” said Gadot. “I feel it is both my honour and duty to give these remarkable women from around the world a platform to showcase the work they are doing in the face of overwhelming hardships. More than ever, we need to see the good that is being done by everyday people in extraordinary circumstances. I am a big believer in the ripple effect, and with this project, we aim to create a community for people who want to help others. I am proud to have the opportunity to help amplify their voices, and I hope viewers are left as inspired and empowered as I am.”
Kelsey Ellis, Surf Therapy Facilitator in Half Moon Bay, California.From Executive Producers Gal Gadot (“Wonder Woman”), Jaron Varsano (“Cleopatra”) and Academy Award®-Winning Filmmaker Vanessa Roth (“Freeheld”), the documentary follows six exceptional women making an impact in their communities. The documentary premières on 27 June 2021 but will repeat on National Geographic Channel (DStv channel 181) throughout the month. Find out more about the documentary here.
Genius: Aretha
The third season of the limited series starring Cynthia Erivo as the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, and Courtney B Vance as CL Franklin will première on National Geographic across Africa on Wednesday 30 June at 21:00 (CAT). The next instalment in the highly anticipated, multiple Emmy award-winning anthology series, honours the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin.
Genius is National Geographic’s critically acclaimed anthology series that dramatises the fascinating stories of the world’s most brilliant innovators and their extraordinary achievements with their volatile, passionate and complex personal relationships. This third season will explore Aretha Franklin’s musical genius and incomparable career, as well as the immeasurable impact and lasting influence she has had on music and culture around the world.
Franklin was a gospel prodigy, an outspoken civil rights champion and widely considered the greatest singer of the past 50 years, receiving countless honours throughout her career. Genius: Aretha will be the first-ever, definitive and only authorised scripted series on the life of the universally acclaimed Queen of Soul.
Starring double Oscar-nominee Cynthia Erivo (Harriet, The Color Purple) in the title role, Genius: Aretha, will start with a special double episode event across the continent, with one episode per week thereafter airing on (DStv channel 181). Additionally, each episode will be available on DStv CatchUp after the linear broadcast.
National Geographic Africa is available on DStv channel 181 and StarSat: 220 on DTH, 220 on DTT (249 on DTT in Uganda).