With a motivation to enhance the quality of life in Central and South America, Simone Francis, a Sydney based filmmaker, is now organising the creation of a documentary about volunteers throughout Latin America, who help protect human and animal rights, and the environment.
During 2008-2009, a small film crew of about four to six people will be stationed within each volunteer program for the duration of one to two weeks and not only will they be there to film the documentary, but also assist the volunteer program in any practical or hands on activities.
So far, seventeen volunteer programs in the continent have agreed to participate in the documentary and most have generously offered Simone and her crew accommodation.
Just a few of the programs eager to assist with the documentary include: the Ikiam Expedition (ecotourism with the Shiwiar tribal people in the Amazon), Seeds of Hope (support for children living in extreme poverty), and Inti Wara Yassi (a jaguar sanctuary in Bolivia).
“The world is big enough for most people to turn a blind eye to its devastation,” said Simone, adding “and all these projects have tourism connection in one form or another, because without this work and others project like it, the people of these destinations, that we all love to go and see, will not survive for others to experience in the future.”
She added, “The more destitution filmed and made visible to all, the greater chance we hold of delivering aid to the suffering and improve their lives.”
Saving all of her money to see the project through, Simone is also currently trying to gain some sponsorship, funding or grants, as there are plenty of costs to consider and she hopes to leave Australia by February 2008, with around $40,000, which is estimated to be sufficient to cover the cost of travel (including visas and flights), insurance, and food, for the entire crew.
Simone also hopes to educate the youth of Australia by showing the finished documentary to schools and arrange of other interested parties in addition to encouraging more young people to become involved in volunteer programs.
If all goes well, Simone hopes to continue making influential documentaries in other volunteer programs throughout many other parts of the world.
Interested sponsors or programme contributors in either cash or help in kind who would like to receive more information, have a discussion or meet with Simone, should contact Simone through the editor of TravelMole at [email protected]
Please consider doing what you can do to help Simone and her team with funds or help in kind.
Report and appeal by The Mole
