Film permit application by Dr. Keneiloe Molopyane (Principle Investigator) and Prof. Lee R. Berger (co-permit holder) for filming in the Gladysvale Site, Cradle of Humankind UNESCO World Heritage Site, Gauteng, South Africa.

Gladysvale is well documented in the literature and its importance, history, key issues etc. are well documented in several SAHRA Management Reports. The goals of the Gladysvale project, permit number: 3317, are the re-opening of excavation at the important fossil bearing site of Gladysvale, situated in the heart of the Cradle of Humankind UNESCO World Heritage site in order to utilize modern methods of exploration, geological and geochronological analyses, mapping and preparation to test hypothesis generated by previous work at the site conducted during the 1940’s and 50’s as well as more extensive work by the junior applicant conducted during the 1990’s and early 21st Century (Berger, 1992; Berger et al., 1993; Berger & Tobias, 1994). The purpose and concepts of filming at Gladysvale for the duration of the scientific expedition is to document the scientific process from start to finish with the aim of highlighting the journey of the scientific pursuit and discovery. We aim to ultimately increase the general public’s, both on a local and global stage, the perceived value of the palaeosciences related to the deep human journey. Such a pursuit is of value to the South African audience, to the significance of the Cradle of Humankind, South Africa, and can be viewed as valuable teaching material and resource for those interested in the science. The filming will primarily be for educational purposes only.