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Palmerston North // Workshop & Presentation at Reel Earth
Published by on May 16, 2012 in 2012 Road Trip, Workshops
We left Wellington in darkness at 5am. Eager, excited we arrived to a beautiful sunrise peaking through dark rain clouds across Palmerston North farmland. Greeted by Alan, from Palmy’s very own Youth Space. What would the day bring? Who would be there?
I was amazed at how diverse the workshop crew was. A wide range of backgrounds, interests & skill levels meant connections and ideas-a-plenty. We were really lucky to have three ‘changemakers’ – Vanisa, Edward, and Natalie all sharing their projects & passions. As well as the infamous Steve Barr share his humble Hollywood filmmaking & storytelling expertise with the crew – the knowledge and generosity of this guy always blows me away!
The day was epic. Our Wellington-based rock, Alana Barber – who’s been courageously locking down road trip logistics for the past six weeks took part in her very first workshop. It was amazing to share this experience – here’s Alana below with her vision for New Zealand. Great to have you there for the day Alana!!!
And then there was Tawa. Having grown up in a full-immersion te reo maori environment, he spoke only his native language til the age of 13 before learning english. This boy has some amazing stories to share –stories of family hardship and struggle, and casually, he also plays five different musical instruments… eh?!
We were lucky enough to have Tim Hamilton, a young Palmy-based filmmaker join us at the workshop too – if you haven’t heard of parkour, you’ve got to check this out!
After an action-packed, and very memorable workshop we headed down to the Reel Earth Film Festival, where I gave a Keynote presentation about the vision, challenges & learnings through getting Inspiring Stories Trust off the ground. Huge respect to Dorothee & Victoria for organising Reel Earth & amazing opportunities this festival provides for locals and touring filmmakers alike. Another big thanks to Steve, Vanisa, Natalie, Edward, Alan (Youth Space), Tim, Alana & Lu for sharing your time – and of course the crew of young filmmakers from the day – EPIC!
Up the Kaikoura Coastline… to the Blenheim Workshop!
Published by on May 16, 2012 in 2012 Road Trip, Workshops
It’s always a treat heading up the Kaikoura coastline – there’s just something about big snow-capped mountains that close to the sea. Great surf too, if you’re lucky enough to score a swell on your way through!
It felt surreal arriving in Blenheim for the last workshop of the South Island. The past four weeks seem to have happened so quickly. With face-to-face connections with more than 300 people so far it’s hard to know what those little sparks could grow into.
Above, Jody from Marlborough Boys High – his vision for a bully-free New Zealand is something we’ve come across a few times now. Jody emailed us this through just a few hours after the workshop: “today was great! I learnt heaps about my camera, storyboarding and editing. The interactive parts where we got to use the cameras and make a short film was really helpful. The 3 main steps of editing you showed us is gonna help me so much with my assessment and the film that I am entering in the Inspiring Stories Competition.”
Massive thanks to Mr Searle at Marlborough Boys College for hosting us. It was a good day with a group of passionate young leaders who already seem to be savvy with 21st century challenges and connected with good things happening in the local community. Looking forward to seeing your films in the competition!
Pheuww…. South Island. Looking forward to some sleep & forward planning time back in Wellington before we launch into the North Island!!!
Christchurch & Lyttelton // Stories of Hope
Published by on May 8, 2012 in 2012 Road Trip, Workshops
All eyes on Christchurch – the quake, the rebuild, the people. Beneath the media spotlight on this shaky city, we’ve found life on the ground is different – challenged like never before yes, grateful for support they’ve received, optimistic about moving forwards and in many cases just ‘getting on with it’.
Above, Joshua Kurene from Aranui High took part in a workshop we ran in Christchurch last year just after the big February quake. As Josh puts it, last years workshop is where it all started – the spark – that urged him to get involved in the Youth 2050 Visioning Project, co-facilitate climate leadership workshops & events around the Pacific with 350 Aotearoa, and win a youth leadership award. As well as take part in this year’s workshop as a young filmmaker, Josh also presented his journey over the past year. It’s been amazing to watch this young leader grow!
The past few days have been an amazing experience connecting with Cantabrians young and old. The filmmaking workshop at Avonside Girls High had 20 students from five different schools, short presentations from three local ‘changemakers’, and support from two young industry professionals Richie Sewell & Renee Parsons.
Lyttelton Film Screening!
Time in Lyttelton is humbling. You only have to walk around to see how much this beautiful place has been affected by the quakes. Brave faces behind every shop front greet you with a smile. There’s a strong sense of community here – different from most other places we’ve visited on this road trip so far.
Here’s one of the films we screened – a short piece by young filmmaker & friend James Muir.
Considering we only confirmed it a few days before, we were blown way by so many friendly locals coming along to the film screening event. Thanks to Lyttelton Main Primary for hosting the evening. Another huge thanks to Wendy from the Info Centre, and Sue-ellen from Project Lyttelton for your support spreading the word, and to Brindi Joy from the YHA for sharing your musical talents at intermission. To everyone who came along, thanks for an amazing evening guys!
Pheuw… the South Island leg of this road trip has been incredible, just one stop left in Blenheim before prep-time back in Wellington then launching into the North Island. Feeling very grateful to have had these opportunities, to our tiny core team – Lu Davidson, Alana Barber, and our volunteers Kavi, Owen, Danielle & Komako for your support in making this possible. MASSIVE!
Nga Mihi
Riverton, Stewart Island… epic!
Published by on April 29, 2012 in 2012 Road Trip
Words can’t really express how amazing the past few days have been. Imagine being welcomed whole-heartedly by a small community. The workshop at Aparima College in Riverton was amazing – a motivated, and enthusiastic group of young leaders passionate about making their school, community and country a better place. I’m left sitting with the bold words that ‘small town kids can do big things’.
An intense day of workshop, followed by a cosy fire-side film screening event at the Riverton Environment Centre. Humbled by the generosity and hospitality of our hosts, the Guyton’s – and the many friendly faces who attended. Inspired by the marrow spot-prize giveaways, Robyn gave us “Doug” – a prize marrow weighing no less than 3.35KG to give away on Stewart Island…
STEWART ISLAND
Stewart Island is amazing. This was my first ever visit. If you’ve never been, go. We were lucky enough to present to the whole school at Halfmoon Bay Primary, then run a workshop with the senior students. If having paradise on your doorstep wasn’t enough, these guys are decked out with macbook laptops, cameras and editing ability. They’re all under 12, and they’ve all made films before – the NZ Film Commission would be proud!
Doug made it. Having triumphed through sea-sickness and sight-seeing for the past few days he arrived in one piece, and found his new home. The Stewart Island community film screening was a real highlight – we had about 40-to-50 locals give up their Saturday evening to check out all the fuss. That’s about one fifth of the population… incrEDIBLE!
What an adventure this has been. To everyone who helped out along the way – especially the YHA New Zealand who gave us their beautiful seaside cottage for the weekend, thank you. Next stop, Dunedin.
