To mark the launch of the Voices for Bulembu campaign, Craig, Jesse and I put together this trailer. It was made with footage from my trip to Bulembu, Swaziland with the Canadian Tenors in August. Click the pic above to view the trailer in web-size (or download from the links below) then go check out their site.
Thanks to everyone who came out to the Canadian Premiere of Rwanda: Hope Rises. We had a great time, and a great turnout, almost selling out the first show. A lot of faces I didn’t recognize, which for me is one of our biggest successes. Everything went well – the excellent venue, a great pre-reception with wine, cheese and mingling, and a beautiful screen to watch the story play out on.
We had great media coverage, which helped with the turnout. Below is a video from local daily 24 Hours:
The film was also covered by the Province, Global TV, and the print version of 24 Hours which has a high readership on the daily commute.
I’ve been laying low, taking it easy over the last couple days. It was an exhausting sprint getting everything ready, but I am immensely satisfied with the result. Big thanks to Kelly, Mike, Chris and the rest of the volunteers, and to Wellspring for hosting the event. This event wouldnt’ve happened without you.
Condition Critical: A beautiful website by MSF on the situation in the Eastern DRC. Video by MediaStorm.
Rwanda: Hope Rises is complete. It will premiere at the Vancity Theatre on November 18th. Screenings are at 7pm & 8:45pm. Tickets are $8 in advance, $10 at the door, and can be purchased online here.
Day 3 in Bulembu – things are going very well. We’ve captured some great moments and beautiful images. This really is an amazing town. More when I can get better net access…
That’s how long it took to pack my bags & camera carry-on.
Incidentally, it took 23 minutes because that’s all I had before the taxi arrived.
A string of nights with 3 hours sleep then attempting an all nighter don’t lead to efficient work. Around 4AM I found myself nodding uncontrollably, so I settled in for a short “nap”.
But… I’ve done this a few times now. I only managed to forget a few Clif bars and my book to read. Everything else came out in a flurry, and habit landed most of what I need in my bags in a few minutes.
And with that we’re off to Bulembu. The equipment left yesterday with my DP, Jonny – 9 cases plus a carnet. So I’m travelling nice & light, just a carry-on and a backpack for clothes. It’s three days of transit to Bulembu… I hope to update with some pictures or video once we’re settled on the ground.
I’m partway through reading a Fastcompany special report on China in Africa. Very interesting…
Got confirmation an hour ago of another project in Bulembu, Swaziland, this time with moving pictures. I’ll be departing with a crew on August 22nd, just a few weeks away.
We’ll be shooting on the Red, filming the Canadian Tenors as part of a storytelling package for a benefit concert at the Orpheum. I’m excited to visit Bulembu again, to share its beauty, see its evolution and renew friendships.
This is the first project of a new venture, Cinesketch. And tomorrow I’ll have some news on where I’m heading after Bulembu…
This February I travelled to Swaziland after filming in Rwanda. I was on assignment with the Teldon Community Foundation, photographing the town of Bulembu. A former mining town, Bulembu is now being transformed into a centre of job-creation, commerce and orphan care.
The images were destined for a fundraising calendar, which you can now get your hands on here. The final product is excellent, and I’m excited to see the photographs used for a good cause. Head to Bulembu.org for more info and to purchase your copy of the calendar. 100% of the purchase goes to Bulembu Compassion.
{{ Check my Bulembu Archives for more posts & photos from the trip. }}
