My local encounter took place in rural China where I was
researching local ecological knowledge held by farmers in two giant panda
nature reserves. Growing up in a relatively wealthy country, this encounter defiantly
gave me a new perspective of the world.
Inspiration:
I’m an environmental scientist/ecologist from Australia. China
buys 70% of our iron ore to turn into steel. Our two countries are undeniably
linked in environmental impact and economic growth. I wanted to do something
different in my final year of study and was inspired by anyone who’s ever been
told they couldn’t do something but did it anyway.
Planning:
It took about 10 months to plan the topic, logistics,
funding etc. for the expedition to China. The documentary piece was kind of an
obvious choice, I just had to put together a script, storyboard and sift
through hours of shaky footage.
Challenges:
Funding (making a sales pitch to my boss), Language, The
Chinese Government and Visa applications, balancing work/study, angry guard
dogs in China, slow last minute youtube uploads...
Ambition:
To push the boundaries of documentary film technology/techniques. To be an explorer, artist, scientist. To teach people how to live a little more lightly on our planet.
