Inspiring workshop supports young local film-makers

A group of Marlborough students attended a free film-making workshop in Blenheim on 5 and 6 April this year. They left with their own extensive projects planned out.

One of many around the whole country, the two day workshop was organised and tutored by the Inspirational Stories Trust; a group of volunteers intent on encouraging and helping young filmmakers to take their projects to a higher stage.

‘Throughout 2011, we’re on the hunt for aspiring young filmmakers,’ said CEO Guy Ryan.

The aim behind their motivation is to get participants started on their own 4 minute documentary-style films. ‘We’ll give them some mad skills, and then support them to make short films about inspirational young Kiwis making a difference for their peers, schools or communities!’ Ryan explained.

The students spent a day learning storytelling basics and professional filmmaking techniques. They discussed what inspiration meant to them. Then, the students were started on finding ideas and brainstorming local young change-makers on who they could make their film.

There will be a film ‘Festival for the Future’ held at the New Zealand Film Archive in early November. Films made by workshop participants will be screened along with presentations, hands-on workshops and a chance to meet many other young New Zealanders keen on film making.

Te Kura student Hinton Burke has begun to set up a film which he plans to title ‘Dream Chaser’.

‘It’s going to be about a young man encouraging youth to follow their dreams. A friend of mine wanted to become a funeral director, and even though he had a lot of opposition from family and friends, he succeeded and is now living his dream’.
 
By Johanna Hertwich
Southern region
Year 12