the TEAM

SARAH MACDONALD

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER | LEAD PRODUCER

Sarah Macdonald, a BAFTA-winning Director from New Zealand, co-founded MAKE Waves in 2012. The independent film and television company, based in Singapore and London, has produced award-winning content for global broadcasters like HBO, A+E, and BBC. Their foray into environmental documentaries began with 'The Great Green Wall,' premiering at the Venice Film Festival in 2019. Their latest release, 'Blue Carbon' in 2023, features Emmy-nominated DJ and Biologist Jayda G and is a collaboration with CNN, Canal+, and NDR Germany.

RZA

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER

RZA is a renowned American musician, rapper, record producer, actor, and filmmaker, best known as the leader of the hip hop group Wu-Tang Clan. Renowned for his deep influence on hip hop production, RZA has also carved out a notable career in film, composing scores for movies such as "Kill Bill: Volume 1” and most recently the documentary "BLUE CARBON’’ in close collaboration with our team.

FERNANDO MEIRELLES

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER

Fernando Meirelles is the renowned Brazilian, Oscar- nominated Director of “City of God," “The Constant Gardner" & “The Two Popes," and has been nominated for more than 10 BAFTAs, Golden Globes and Oscars. Fernando executive produced MAKE Waves' 2019 film, “The Great Green Wall," and the upcoming film on our slate ‘Blue Carbon’.

ALEXANDER ASEN

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER | HEAD OF OUTREACH

Alex, a seasoned communications expert and influential movement builder, has led major environmental campaigns for over a decade, including as a senior diplomat at the United Nations. He's a key figure behind the Great Green Wall, Africa’s leading climate and rural development initiative. As Executive Producer of the award-winning ‘The Great Green Wall’ and upcoming CNN feature ‘Blue Carbon,’ as well as Co-Creator of the acclaimed ‘Growing a World Wonder’ VR film, Alex oversees comprehensive global impact campaigns. His efforts secured endorsements from figures like President Macron, King Charles, and Jeff Bezos, leading to a groundbreaking $19 billion funding round for the Great Green Wall initiative.

PHILIPPE DE BOURBON

executive producer

Philippe de Bourbon founded Andaman Films in 2020, debuting with "The State of Texas vs Melissa" at the Tribeca Film Festival, later released on Hulu. Now, Andaman Films is focused on developing and producing feature documentaries and series for TV networks like CNN Films, ARTE, CANAL+, and NDR. Philippe's previous experience includes working at CANAL+, where he served as commissioning editor in the Original Programming department, overseeing acclaimed documentaries like the Oscar-nominated "The Invisible War" and International Emmy Awards-nominees "Terror Studios" and "Exodus." In 2017, he became Managing Director of Echo Studio, producing socially and environmentally impactful films such as "Buoyancy," which premiered at the Berlin Film Festival in 2019 and won the audience award.

CLAUDE GRUNITZKY

executive producer

Claude Grunitzky is the CEO and Managing Partner of the Equity Alliance, a fund dedicated to providing capital to emerging, underrepresented venture capitalists and early stage founders who are women or people of color. Claude is also the founder of two media companies focused on Black culture, TRACE (funded by Goldman Sachs and successfully sold to European investors) and TRUE Africa (funded by Google). Claude was raised between Lome, Togo; Washington, DC; Paris; London and New York. Raised in Togo, Washington, DC, Paris, London, and New York, Claude's multicultural upbringing shaped his transcultural philosophy. Fluent in six languages and holding three passports, he brings a unique perspective to his ventures.