I became a filmmaker to affect change. My love for nature naturally led me to wildlife filmmaking, which I believe is one of the best ways (short of physically taking someone into the wilderness) to teach and instill a love of nature and stewardship in them. There are however many human issues also close to my heart and as a result I feel blessed to be able to use my trade to make a difference.
SOCIAL ACTIVISM FILMS
I’ve been privileged enough to work on several films aimed at dealing with human rights issues including:
In June 2010, the (men’s) football World Cup finally arrived in Africa. Yet the world’s most popular event is often marked by injustice, corruption, and exploitation “on the ground”. The World Cup in South Africa was no exception. Thousands of families already living in dire straits were brutally sentenced to a life of poverty, as they were evicted to tin shacks miles from their homes, hidden from the television screens and the world’s media attention. Tin Town follows local residents through police brutality, family separation and their struggle to reclaim the people’s game.
“Free to Play” takes its cameras away from the traditional half-way line and goes inside a Danish prison to explore sport as a form of rehabilitation. Focusing on prisoners in an open prison, this documentary seeks to investigate sports potential for social inclusion in Denmark. Discovering how four prisoners themselves experience sport as part of a structured programme. The human reality of how sport is played in prison will bring new light to an often-grey area.
CHARITIES
I love the difference these guys are making and offer my services when I can. Have a look at the awesome work they do, who knows, maybe you'll be inspired:
This incredible haven cares for orphaned and abandoned babies in my hometown. Their tireless efforts have seen scores of children’s lives transformed as they tenderly nurture them and find loving families that they can call home forever.
Symphony Way Youth Development
An inspiring grassroots community based organisation which strives to transform the impoverished communities of Blikkiesdorp, by providing it’s youth with cultural education, social upliftment and positive recreational learning which reduces drug abuse, teenage delinquency and gangsterism.
The Paradigm Shift Program is an incredible tool that helps equip microentrepeneurs in poor communities by improving their business skills so that they have the ability to uplift themselves and their communities.
Do get in touch if you want to be involved or simply find out about some of these issues that are close to my heart.