On the Edge
of the Jungle
















A documentary exploring the hidden connection between elite running, culture and nature in Kapchorwa, Uganda.

Through the story of the Mosopisiek community, it reveals how traditions and the forest shape world-class athletes. The film bridges sport, culture and ecology, invating  vieuwers to rethink humanity’s bond with nature. 

Concept 


After visiting Kapchorwa, a town in eastern Uganda renowned for producing some of the world’s best long-distance runners, for a training camp in the spring of 2023, I quickly realized something humbling. Although I hold the title of vice-national champion U23 in the 5000m back home in Belgium, which means I have a decent level, I guess, I was dropped by everyone during my time in Kapchorwa. Not only by world-class athletes or promising runners my age, but even by children wearing rubber boots or running barefoot.

A roadsign, when entering Kapchorwa (M. van Reusel, April 2023 )

I came to the conclusion that many young local runners possess enormous potential but lack a proper pair of running shoes — basically the only thing you truly need to go running.

Some local kids an I watching some local runners train at Kapchelall Hill at 2600m altitute in Yatui, at just 200m from the edge of the jungle and so the national park. (J. Pattyn, March 2023 )

This experience inspired me to develop my bachelor’s project around this idea. I set up a small-scale non-profit initiative in Belgium to collect as many pairs of running shoes as possible and send or bring them to Kapchorwa.

During the research for this project, I discovered that the success and potential of the running youth in Kapchorwa, as well as the sporting achievements of Ugandan athletes, are not quite what they seem at first glance. At first sight, it appears to be purely a matter of athletic training and talent. But beneath the surface lies a much richer story, one that connects elite sport with culture, tradition, and the natural environment.

This insight became the main source of inspiration for my current work: my master’s project, a documentary. Central to this story is the Mosopisiek, a community deeply connected to the nearby forests and rainforests.

Their traditions, rituals, and relationship with the land form an essential yet often overlooked foundation of Uganda’s athletic excellence.

For example, within the Mosopisiek community, the “sseewyondet” plant is widely used, a type of nettle believed to promote longevity and rich in natural nutrients beneficial for runners. Like other forest-grown crops, it is used in the herb-filled drink “lakweet”, a powerhouse of strengthening and fresh vitamins, ideal as a recovery beverage.

A local plant, not specified, in the jungle of the Mount Elgon National Park, near Yatui. 
(M. van Reusel, March 2023 )

Another example is the local honey, which is harvested from a very specific type of bee said by locals to exist only in the Elgon region. What makes this bee unique is that it builds its colonies underground, making them easy to harvest. Moreover, this tiny bee species is stingless, so collecting the honey is practical and requires no protective clothing. The honey itself has a bittersweet flavor, making it a perfect pick-me-up or energy source for local athletes.

Through this documentary, based on interviews with locals, I aim to explore how the unique interplay between nature, community, and sport not only shapes world-class athletes but also offers broader reflections on how human culture and ecosystems can strengthen one another.

Local farmer Ivan show the sweet, fresh collected honey. (M. Van Reusel, April 2023)


The film will highlight the contrast and connection between two seemingly distant worlds: Olympic-level sport and the traditional life of forest-based communities.

By weaving these elements together, the documentary will not only tell the local story of Kapchorwa but will also invite global audiences to reflect on the state of our societies and the urgent need to reconnect with our environments.

The central question is this: in a world marked by polarization and quick judgment, dialogue, interaction, and overlap between diverse communities and ways of life are more necessary than ever. Can we encourage such connections by sharing the story of the Mosopisiek culture, its relationship with the forest, and so with sport?

Local Ivan watching over the hills of the Kween district, where the Mosopisiek comunities is based. (M. Van Reusel, April 2023)


Answering this question is the main goal of the project, alongside secondary objectives such as raising awareness of the Mosopisiek’s minority situation, stimulating eco-tourism in the region to strengthen local communities, and further protecting Mount Elgon National Park. Throughout this process, I remain committed to approaching every interview and collaboration with respect for the people and communities involved. The last thing this documentary intends to do is to exoticize individuals or fall into the trap of white saviorism or colonial structures.





Support


















Support is a crucial corner-brick in the production of telling this unique story. In many different ways, as finacially.

For sure as I try to work with honest an trustable people, like guides, drivers, and fixers, who I want to pay the fair price they deserve.

The total costs to realise  this project is around €5500. I cover as much as I can myself, but since I’m still a student is  every penny an enormous help. 

Thank you. 



Tag: “SUPPORT EDGE”
BE16 0018 0359 6374

About  


I’m Mauro Van Reusel (2003°),  from Antwerp, Belgium.   Studied in Italy at the Technical University of Milan and obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Design at KdG University College in Belgium.

Currently working on a documentary as part of a Master’s degree in Visual Arts, Applied context at KdG University College again. Specialized in digital storytelling, with experience in creating and collaborating on international renowned content. 

I combine this with a part-time job at the Antwerp-based running specialty store Addict. I work in the shop doing sales, advising customers on sports gear and helping them choose the right running shoes through gait analysis. In addition, I also have a behind-the-scenes role, taking care of marketing, event support, and communication through newsletters and social media. 


Besides this academic en professional work, I’m an active athlete focusing on middle-distance track events such as the 1500m, 3000m, and 5000m, with the title of U23 Vice National Champion in 2025 as a current career highlight.I grew up with a passion for birds, wildlife, and nature conservation, something I inherited from my family. This is a completely different world from the world of elite sports, and the two are often miles apart. The fact that these two worlds come together in Kapchorwa feels very special and unique to me.
 


+32 468 28 64 55

mauro.vanreusel@student.kdg.be    

@edgeofthejungle
@mauro.vrc

Stay up to date



The recordings in Uganda are planned between December 2025 and February 2026. In the meantime a trip to Amsterdam was made to capture the contrast between the peacefull Kapchorwa and the mass-events like the TCS Amsterdam marathon by example, where Ugandan athletes compete. 

  

 Get snapshots from behind the scenes, and follow the project unfold from the beginning, all the way to the realisation and the premiere. 

Now on Instgram at @edgeofthejungle