Courage - World Nomad Documentary Scholarship Entry 2011
WORLDWIDE | Thursday, 28 April 2011 | Views [3820] | 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
