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World Nomad Documentary Scholarship Entry 2011

Courage - World Nomad Documentary Scholarship Entry 2011

WORLDWIDE | Thursday, 28 April 2011 | Views [3875] | Comments [11] | Scholarship Entry

The issue of individuals seeking asylum in Australia is prevalent in the media and I wanted to learn more about these people and their unique story. What made them risk their lives and flee their country, leaving everything, including family and loved ones behind? I met Herman Wainggai, a West Papuan asylum seeker living in exile in Australia. I followed him to Papua New Guinea where he facilitated a nonviolent workshop for West Papuan independence activists, who managed to escape their occupied homeland for the week-long meeting.

Filming in PNG was an intense experience -- trudging across the sand with heavy equipment, battling hungry mosquitoes, and then there was my personal fear of crocodiles...! This video shows an unexpected reunion between Herman and his father. It made me realise the commonality within all of us -- our hopes, dreams, and the inexplicable pull towards the people we love.

I filmed this footage as part of a student documentary project - my first documentary experience up to date. My ambition as a documentary maker is to engage audiences and to shed new light or perspective on issues. This scholarship would enable me to pursue my passion for documentary and to gain new skills through this invaluable mentorship opportunity.

Tags: #2011video, travel documentary scholarship 2011

Comments

1

Beautiful story; thank you Herman

  Roger Grealy Apr 28, 2011 3:52 PM

2

Helo kaka Herman, I like your story for West Papuan people. God Bless you always

  Markus Yan May 4, 2011 4:12 PM

3

Agree Roger, Herman's story so powerful.

  Hein Keyr May 4, 2011 4:19 PM

4

Wow reunion with his dad at Papua New Guinea. It was so wonderful story. If I was him. I could feel his feeling after he didn't see his dad for a long time. I like the way he showed his deeper feeling to his dad. Great feeling and beautiful story Herman. Hope I could meet Herman one day to hear more his story

  Grace Madina May 4, 2011 4:34 PM

5

Herman, Free West Papua. Keep fighting for your people. I support your leadership in your country. Your story is so beautiful. Where can I watch your full story ?

  Ririn Angelica May 4, 2011 4:43 PM

6

Great story Herman. I support your advocacy job in Australia

  Esther Nisye May 4, 2011 5:40 PM

7

I like this video. Great emotional from him and his personal story as well. Herman, you are one of Papuan leader and your story is very beautiful and I hope all Australian can hear your story to make different for your country of West Papua. Please let us know when will we can watch your full documentary in Australia ? Thanks, I totally support you, Herman.
Thanks

  George Desy May 4, 2011 6:44 PM

8

Good looking... Herman. I love your story. Free West Papua

  Camellia Soe May 4, 2011 7:05 PM

9

Great story. Thanks Herman

  Christian Kenedy May 4, 2011 7:10 PM

10

Wonderful story and West Papuan People are supporting you Herman. Keep fighting for your friends and your people. Merdeka

  Rachel Ronald May 5, 2011 7:07 AM

11

This is one of my favourite short video. His emotional story is inspiring me for his country.
Thanks Herman.

  Daniel Ginie May 5, 2011 9:45 PM

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