Ups and downs of filmmaking

Every now and then I need a reminder of why I make films.

Sometimes it's because I'm spending more hours on a shoot or in the edit suite than with friends and family.
Sometimes it's because characters challenge you. You're struggling to find the right angle. Not having enough time or money to create the story that you want to. Or nothing wants to flow. Maybe it's just a day with 'creative juices' being low, just plain having a 'hard day at the office'.

Then you see something like this ad, Because who is perfect? created by Pro Infirmis and it reminds me why I like telling stories. It inspires me to slog through the hard times to get to the amazing end result - which will make me laugh, smile and cry....

On Beauty....

I watched this DOVE ad and loved every second. I thought about the power of the media, how we can send out positive messages, influence people in a GOOD way.... then I saw it on the Upworthy site - and I liked it - again! Same feeling, tearing up. Appreciating who I am and again, thinking of how what I can do as a filmmaker to change perceptions....

Then I started reading up on it... and found myself on a few feminist sites.... I read this article by Kaye Toal and another article.... and it all changed my mind.

It is still a nice ad, and I still think we can use something like this to make a positive difference... I just need to think about it a bit more.....

And how to apply it....

Recently wrapped on the series I AM WOMAN - LEAP OF FAITH produced by Plexus Films.

Wonderfully inspirational stories that feature the lives and Leaps of Faith of 52 remarkable women exploring how they stepped into brand new territory when faced with life’s greatest challenges and opportunities. Each episode uncovers the turning points and moments of change in their lives and explores where they turn to for sustenance when the chips are down.

I was privileged to work with a great team; Antoinette Engel, Rosemary Lombard & Tinashe Makwande in the office, Tim Wege & Karen Landsberg on camera and Tanja Hagen & Charlene Waite as editors.
The series producers Lauren Groenewald, Miki Redelinghuys & Lisa Chait, also presenter, were amazing! Let's hope for a third season.


I directed the following episodes and they are all available online!

Mmatshilo Motsei
For years this author and activist focused on the problems of others and our national wellbeing. Now she had to face her own. Her transformation was profound. ‘At last’, she says, ‘I am truly free’. 

Sonja Kruse
Sonja Kruse did what many thought impossible and took to the streets and national roads of South Africa to embark on a journey that led her to the heart of our country’s collective spirit – Ubuntu. 

Marilyn Saul
Top cop Marilyn Saul woke up one day knowing she had to make a change. Despite long and loyal years as a dedicated police officer, she shocked all with a decision to leave her entire career and benefits behind to be of service to others and to live her deeper calling.

Gabrielle Lubowski
How much courage does it take to let go of the past and release someone you have lost? To boldly let go of old behaviours to find peace again, and be free. 

Esme de Andrade
How much are you prepared to do to become a mother? How many hurdles must you overcome to provide a sibling for your only child? 

Alix Carmichele
How high do you have to leap to take on the system, fighting for justice and safety when your own has been violated? What does it take to stay motivated and assured that justice will prevail?

Lynn Witten
How do you put back the pieces of your life when it’s been shattered from childhood? How do you learn to live again and sing life’s song?

Jen Goy
All her life Jen Goy had struggled with depression. Then she was diagnosed with Bipolar 2 and courageously began to share her truth with the world. 

Madhuri Chavda
When Madhuri Chavda discovers she has breast cancer, she takes a radical preventative Leap of Faith to gave herself the best possible chance of survival.

Elizabeth Petersen
Elizabeth Petersen worked for years at a shelter for abused women. Then she leapt, to convince religious leaders to take up true leadership on the issue. 

Amazing link to tell you more about Stealing vs Using images ethically

Great reviews for The Village Under The Forest. I edited this film for Mark Kaplan & Heidi Grunebaum

It was the winner of the Audience Award for Best South African Film at Encounters Documentary Festival 2013.

MORE ABOUT THE FILM:
Unfolding as a personal meditation from the Jewish Diaspora, The Village Under The Forest explores the hidden remains of the destroyed Palestinian village of Lubya, which lies under a purposefully cultivated forest plantation called South Africa Forest.

Using the forest and the village ruins as metaphors, the documentary explores themes related to the erasure and persistence of memory and dares to imagine a future in which dignity, acknowledgement and co-habitation become shared possibilities in Israel/Palestine.

The Village Under The Forest is co-directed by Emmy-winner Mark Kaplan and scholar and poet Heidi Grunebaum.

For more info, visit The Village Under The Forest

I was fortunate enough to edit to this beautiful piece of music: Hang High by SANNIE FOX - what an amazing voice she has!

Inspiring Ted Talk on Happiness & Productivity

Good idea for the New Year - let's be thankful, happy and productive for 2013

Shawn Achor on Happiness and Productivity

5 techniques to change your attitude, be happier, strengthen your productivity:

- Express gratitude daily; write down 3 things to be happy about, say thank you and express appreciation for what you have
- Journal
- Meditate
- Exercise
- Practice random acts of kindness


 http://www.ted.com/talks/shawn_achor_the_happy_secret_to_better_work.html