Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
INSPIRING YOUNG PEOPLE...
(REPORT from Susie Banfield, Voiceless Children US
The presentation of "A Grandmother's Tribe" to a local Idaho youth group (Grades 9 to 12), on Sunday, October 5th, was an inspiration to both myself and the eager young viewers. As I sat among the group after the film's screening, I learned that our younger generation is not out of touch with the world, but are caring and concerned about our shared future. When asked about how the film affected them, here are some of the comments received.
The film was about respect for the older generation and respect for each other. It made me think about how I respect my elders.
It showed me what great love they have for family and each other.
It made me think about myself and where I'm headed in life. It is so much easier for me to make those decisions than those who have less.
We are lucky here in this country... that we have so many advantages, even if our families are not wealthy.
I learned that we should appreciate the fact that we can go to the store and buy a chicken... and not have to share it with eight people.
It makes me thankful that I can take a shower every day and that I don't have to walk so far just to water for drinking and washing.
It made me want to go to Kenya and help those less fortunate.
I believe that the meaning that young viewers experienced is valuable to them and that reaching across the world to share this human insight is powerful. As we move forward in screening "A Grandmother's Tribe", we will continue our tireless efforts to raise the funding necessary to ensure a hopeful future for these amazing elder women and the grandchildren in their care.
Please contact us directly if you would like to arrange a a special screening of this film!!
In the US... susieatvoiceless@aol.com (To visit the VC BLOG click here)
Canada - Cordova Bay Public School, Parent Advisory Council - Oct 14/08
The Cordova Bay Public School "Parent Advisory Council" (PAC) held a dialogue screening of the film on federal election night in Canada. Twenty parents and school adminstrators offered thoughtful insight and questions following the screening. During the PAC budget discussion, the council voted to include the purchase of the film for the school's library! We are very honoured to be included as a media resource for inquiring young minds!! Elaine Munro, a Canadian-based AGT team member, answered questions regarding the film and its "Take Action Initiative".
If you know a PAC or PTA that would like to host a screening of "A Grandmother's Tribe", please let us know!!

Monday, June 09, 2008
Silver Screens Film Festival (Toronto, ON, Canada)
Sunday, May 4th… “A Grandmother’s Tribe” was presented as one of three documentary films at a fundraiser in Toronto. The event, to benefit the Stephen Lewis Foundation, was part of the Silver Screens Film Festival which celebrates creative living and aging. Featured on the film panel was Ilana Landsberg-Lewis, Executive Director SLF, who spoke eloquently about the foundation’s commitment to supporting grassroots, community-based organizations throughout sub-Saharan Africa. The foundation was responsible for the first Grandmother Gathering in Toronto in August, 2006. It continues to support grandmother families in Africa with funds raised by more than 200 grandmother groups in Canada.
Corporate Film Screening (Toronto, ON, Canada)
Monday, April 28th… In Toronto, a private screening was held for the employee team of Body Plus Nutritional Products. The after-work screening, brought together about twenty staff members. Following the screening and questions, President and owner of the company, Norm Danniels, announced that the 2007 staff donations fund, had “found its new project on the screen”.
We are very grateful for their generous spirit and look forward to keeping staff informed of the difference their donation will make for grandmother families in Africa.
We are very grateful for their generous spirit and look forward to keeping staff informed of the difference their donation will make for grandmother families in Africa.
CANAC Conference (Ottawa, ON, Canada)
Tuesday, April 22nd… While in Ottawa, Elaine Munro, one of the executive producers, also presented the film at the national conference of Canadian Association of Nurses in AIDS Care (CANAC). There has been an ongoing connection between the film and CANAC since the first day of shooting in Kenya and it was an honour to complete the journey with the presentation of the film to CANAC members in Ottawa.
Grans & Friends (Kanata, ON, Canada)
Monday, April 21st… A Stephen Lewis Foundation (SLF) grandmother group, “Grans & Friends”, hosted a screening of “A Grandmother’s Tribe” in Kanata, Ontario. The evening event took place at the All Saints Catholic High School, with over 50 people attending. Sue Cousineau, who recently traveled to Africa with the SLF grandmother delegation, spoke highly of the film and added her African experiences and insights at the end of the screening. It is estimated that the event raised over $1,000 to benefit SLF.
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
The Power of Small Communities - Takaka, GOLDEN BAY NZ
A Grandmother’s Tribe Fundraising screening: The Village Theatre, Takaka, NZ. May 29 2008.
The first screening of A Grandmother’s Tribe in Takaka was as part of a Borderless Productions Showcase, which kicked off The Village Theatre’s 2008 International Film Festival. The film showed to a full house that night and several people asked for a re-screening. One long time resident, Helena Thorpe, was so moved by the film that she and her husband, both in their eighties, set about collecting and selling all of their walnuts and figs to donate the proceeds to the grandmothers. I believe they succeeded in sending about $600 over. Consequently, by the time the fundraiser screening of the film came about, there was already an awareness within the community, especially the older folk, of what the film was about and how donations could help.
During the day, Keryn Easterbrook, Dean’s sister who lives locally, sat at a table selling raffle tickets outside the cinema. The prize was a basket of donated produce that included a delicious selection of locally made preserves, jams & pickles. Keryn raised $275 from this raffle. The Dodson family, meanwhile, were running a second raffle, the prize being a basket of produce from their own farm. Gay Dodson, a member of the local farming community, had spent two years in Africa working with Aids orphans so was delighted to see the cause she was so familiar with being promoted in her local town. She was able to donate $123 from her raffle.
The film showed, once again, to a full house and $835 was taken at the door. We had advertised the admission price as “suggested donation $10” however, many people gave more than this. The film was very well received. While it is difficult to say people “enjoyed” the film, the subject matter being as upsetting as it is, people very much appreciated being enabled to feel these peoples’ struggle up close. And, of course, within the heartbreak there is the clear strong voice of hope, a voice that reaches out to people and inspires. The total amount we were able to send to the grannies was $1233nz. The next day walking around town, several people stopped me and expressed thanks for showing the film. Those grandmothers in Africa seem to have found a place in the hearts of many of the people here in Takaka, tucked away in NZ’s South Island. In a thank you letter to the local newspaper I included the URL of the Voiceless Children blog so that people can stay in touch with the efforts of those inspirational elderly women.
Saturday, March 01, 2008
Edmonton Fundraiser - International Women's Day march 8th
International Women's Day - Mar. 8, 2008, A joyous celebration for all ages
7:30 P.M at Village Lifestyles …. 10429 – 79 Ave www.villagelifestyles.com
SEE THIS INSPIRING DOCUMENTARY FILM and hear tributes to women by Roz Shepherd, Rae Watterworth, and Tracy Reed +LIVE ENTERTAINMENT + DISCUSSION + REFRESHMENTS will be provided by the GANG
ADMISSION by DONATION: All Proceeds go to the Stephen Lewis Foundation, Grandmothers to Grandmothers Project www.stephenlewisfoundation.org
If 3 women heed this message, and if they tell 3 other women, there would be 9.
If each of them then spread the word to 3 others, there would be 27.
If each of these 27, passed this along to 3 of their friends, there would be 81.
If these 81 women talked to 3 others, in just 4 steps, there would be 243. In thirteen steps—three to the thirteenth power- the message “support our sisters in Africa” would reach over a million women
This is how geometrical progression works ... this is how a virus spreads and becomes an epidemic
... this is how consciousness-raising groups became the women’s movement. This is how Canadian Grandmothers and Others can reach out to the courageous African Grandmothers who are left to care for and support their grandchildren who are suffering as a result of the HIV-AIDS epidemic.
CELEBRATE THE POWER AND COURAGE OF WOMEN – THERE IS HOPE!
7:30 P.M at Village Lifestyles …. 10429 – 79 Ave www.villagelifestyles.com
SEE THIS INSPIRING DOCUMENTARY FILM and hear tributes to women by Roz Shepherd, Rae Watterworth, and Tracy Reed +LIVE ENTERTAINMENT + DISCUSSION + REFRESHMENTS will be provided by the GANG
ADMISSION by DONATION: All Proceeds go to the Stephen Lewis Foundation, Grandmothers to Grandmothers Project www.stephenlewisfoundation.org
If 3 women heed this message, and if they tell 3 other women, there would be 9.
If each of them then spread the word to 3 others, there would be 27.
If each of these 27, passed this along to 3 of their friends, there would be 81.
If these 81 women talked to 3 others, in just 4 steps, there would be 243. In thirteen steps—three to the thirteenth power- the message “support our sisters in Africa” would reach over a million women
This is how geometrical progression works ... this is how a virus spreads and becomes an epidemic
... this is how consciousness-raising groups became the women’s movement. This is how Canadian Grandmothers and Others can reach out to the courageous African Grandmothers who are left to care for and support their grandchildren who are suffering as a result of the HIV-AIDS epidemic.
CELEBRATE THE POWER AND COURAGE OF WOMEN – THERE IS HOPE!
Vancouver Fundraiser - International Women's Day - March 8th, 2008
The Vancouver College Madrigal Singers are hosting an event at the Vancouver Community College:
March 8th, 2008
Vancouver Community College Auditorium - 1155 East Broadway, Vancouver BC, Level 2, 6pm
$10 donation at the door
Featuring - ‘A Grandmother’s Tribe’ documentary film by award-winning New Zealand Producer, Borderless Productions Limited.
With Local Talent featuring VCC's Madrigal Singers, Leane Oftebro, Risa Takahashi, Debrah Devaughn, Tracey Weins, Kirsten Gronfeldt, Trish Plumley, Marissa Gaetanne Local Bands! THE RUB and Arvilla
Proceeds from the evening will be donated to the Stephen Lewis Foundation’s Grandmother-2-Grandmother (G2G) Campaign, which has been nominated by the film producers as the primary beneficiary organization for proceeds from the ‘take action’ initiative which has been launched as a result of the film. The G2G Campaign works with hundreds of grandmother groups in Sub-Saharan Africa in need of support and aid.
March 8th, 2008
Vancouver Community College Auditorium - 1155 East Broadway, Vancouver BC, Level 2, 6pm
$10 donation at the door
Featuring - ‘A Grandmother’s Tribe’ documentary film by award-winning New Zealand Producer, Borderless Productions Limited.
With Local Talent featuring VCC's Madrigal Singers, Leane Oftebro, Risa Takahashi, Debrah Devaughn, Tracey Weins, Kirsten Gronfeldt, Trish Plumley, Marissa Gaetanne Local Bands! THE RUB and Arvilla
Proceeds from the evening will be donated to the Stephen Lewis Foundation’s Grandmother-2-Grandmother (G2G) Campaign, which has been nominated by the film producers as the primary beneficiary organization for proceeds from the ‘take action’ initiative which has been launched as a result of the film. The G2G Campaign works with hundreds of grandmother groups in Sub-Saharan Africa in need of support and aid.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
A night to remember in Vancouver
We couldn’t wait to update you on the recent journey of ‘A Grandmother’s Tribe’ to Vancouver, Canada where we held a Gala Screening and Fundraiser on 31st October 2007!!
PHOTOS FROM THE GALA FUNDRAISER AND SCREENING IN VANCOUVER, CANADA:
As you’ll see, we had an excellent turnout at the Vancity Theatre on the evening of 31st October 2007. Special guests included…
• Victor Chan, Founder of the Dalai Lama Center who gave a very warm introduction to the film
• Christine Magill, Special Advisor from the Stephen Lewis Foundation
• Martyn Element, Gala event sponsor and President, Element and Associates, Vancouver
• Felix Masi (Kenya) and Susie Banfield (US) from Voiceless Children.
We were supported by many generous event sponsors such as the Nu & C restaurant team, the New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, Mat Wilcox and her team from TheWilcox Group, M-13 Ventures Ltd, Pam Wright, The West Vancouver Anglican Church Choir, Whitefish Group, A&B Party Event Rentals, Lilacs and Lavenders, Simply Safari and a number of wonderful volunteers.
ELEVEN NEW GRANDMOTHER HOMES AND ONE NEW 'FELLOW':
The highlight of the Gala Event came towards the end of the evening. Following a question from an audience member about the cost of Freda’s new home, there was a spontaneous ‘bidding’ to contribute eleven new grandmother homes, at $3,000 US each, for the village grandmothers profiled in the film. These two-bedroom homes with a separate bathroom will bring renewed pride and motivation to the lives of these older women and the community they live in. Voiceless Children will now focus its efforts on building these homes in Funyula over the next 12 months. Their vision in doing so is to build long-term sustainability of the community. Village youth will also be mentored in trade skills to build these homes which will provide them with employable skills as well as earning fees to continue with their schooling. It is a remarkable model of providing sustainable ‘hand up’ assistance that benefits multi-generations at one time.
A heartfelt “thank you” to those individuals who have so graciously stepped forward to make this happen!
Our second exciting announcement is the appointment of Felix Masi, as the first Borderless Foundation “Fellow”. Felix is the founder of Voiceless Children who works in Kenya to support these grandmother-headed homes. BORDERLESS FOUNDATION TRUST is a Charitable Purpose organization set up in New Zealand to support projects created by Borderless Productions Limited. This fellowship will allow Felix the freedom to focus his energies in the coming year to make a world of difference in the lives of Kenyan grandmotherfamilies.
THANK YOU FOR THE INCREDIBLE SUPPORT!!!
We thought that finishing the film would be one of our greatest accomplishments. I can assure you that the real journey begins now. We are more passionate than ever about the positive change that can be initiated through the film and people who genuinely care. We hope you’ll join us on this journey of compassion and positive change!!
PHOTOS FROM THE GALA FUNDRAISER AND SCREENING IN VANCOUVER, CANADA:
As you’ll see, we had an excellent turnout at the Vancity Theatre on the evening of 31st October 2007. Special guests included…
• Victor Chan, Founder of the Dalai Lama Center who gave a very warm introduction to the film
• Christine Magill, Special Advisor from the Stephen Lewis Foundation
• Martyn Element, Gala event sponsor and President, Element and Associates, Vancouver
• Felix Masi (Kenya) and Susie Banfield (US) from Voiceless Children.
We were supported by many generous event sponsors such as the Nu & C restaurant team, the New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, Mat Wilcox and her team from TheWilcox Group, M-13 Ventures Ltd, Pam Wright, The West Vancouver Anglican Church Choir, Whitefish Group, A&B Party Event Rentals, Lilacs and Lavenders, Simply Safari and a number of wonderful volunteers.
ELEVEN NEW GRANDMOTHER HOMES AND ONE NEW 'FELLOW':
The highlight of the Gala Event came towards the end of the evening. Following a question from an audience member about the cost of Freda’s new home, there was a spontaneous ‘bidding’ to contribute eleven new grandmother homes, at $3,000 US each, for the village grandmothers profiled in the film. These two-bedroom homes with a separate bathroom will bring renewed pride and motivation to the lives of these older women and the community they live in. Voiceless Children will now focus its efforts on building these homes in Funyula over the next 12 months. Their vision in doing so is to build long-term sustainability of the community. Village youth will also be mentored in trade skills to build these homes which will provide them with employable skills as well as earning fees to continue with their schooling. It is a remarkable model of providing sustainable ‘hand up’ assistance that benefits multi-generations at one time.
A heartfelt “thank you” to those individuals who have so graciously stepped forward to make this happen!
Our second exciting announcement is the appointment of Felix Masi, as the first Borderless Foundation “Fellow”. Felix is the founder of Voiceless Children who works in Kenya to support these grandmother-headed homes. BORDERLESS FOUNDATION TRUST is a Charitable Purpose organization set up in New Zealand to support projects created by Borderless Productions Limited. This fellowship will allow Felix the freedom to focus his energies in the coming year to make a world of difference in the lives of Kenyan grandmotherfamilies.
THANK YOU FOR THE INCREDIBLE SUPPORT!!!
We thought that finishing the film would be one of our greatest accomplishments. I can assure you that the real journey begins now. We are more passionate than ever about the positive change that can be initiated through the film and people who genuinely care. We hope you’ll join us on this journey of compassion and positive change!!
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Festival Finalists (DOCNZ 2007, New Zealand)
MORE EXCITING NEWS: 'A Grandmother's Tribe' has been selected as one of eleven finalists in the New Zealand Competition for DOCNZ 2007. The eleven selected films will compete for cash prizes and top honours in the categories of Best New Zealand Feature, Best New Zealand Medium and Best New Zealand Short. The winners of the New Zealand Competition will be
announced at the Awards Night in Auckland on the 1st of October 2007.
For more information, please refer to the DOCNZ website (http://www.docnz.org.nz) for
details regarding the 2007 DOCNZ Festival, including a downloadable programme and festival schedule.
announced at the Awards Night in Auckland on the 1st of October 2007.
For more information, please refer to the DOCNZ website (http://www.docnz.org.nz) for
details regarding the 2007 DOCNZ Festival, including a downloadable programme and festival schedule.
World Premiere Announcement - DOCNZ International Documentary Festival
Dear Friends of 'A Grandmother's Tribe':
SHOWTIME! - WORLD PREMIERE ANNOUNCEMENT (NZ):
After a most wonderful process of making this film a reality, we are pleased to announce the WORLD PREMIERE of 'A Grandmother's Tribe' Documentary Film at the DOCNZ International Documentary Festival 2007, in Auckland New Zealand.
Time / Date: 12:15pm, Saturday 29th September 2007 (Q&A will follow)
Venue: Academy Cinemas in Auckland, New Zealand.
We recommend you book your tickets in advance from the Academy Cinema, phone 373 2761.
All attending the screening are invited after the Premiere: for celebratory afternoon tea
Venue: Rooftop Garden, Chancery Chambers (Corner Chancery & O'Connell Streets)
Time: 2:00pm - 4:00pm
RSVP: qiujing@borderlessproductions.com by 25th September 2007.
Further screenings will be held in Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin.
For showtimes in these locations, please visit our facebook page or the film's website.
SHOWTIME! - WORLD PREMIERE ANNOUNCEMENT (NZ):
After a most wonderful process of making this film a reality, we are pleased to announce the WORLD PREMIERE of 'A Grandmother's Tribe' Documentary Film at the DOCNZ International Documentary Festival 2007, in Auckland New Zealand.
Time / Date: 12:15pm, Saturday 29th September 2007 (Q&A will follow)
Venue: Academy Cinemas in Auckland, New Zealand.
We recommend you book your tickets in advance from the Academy Cinema, phone 373 2761.
All attending the screening are invited after the Premiere: for celebratory afternoon tea
Venue: Rooftop Garden, Chancery Chambers (Corner Chancery & O'Connell Streets)
Time: 2:00pm - 4:00pm
RSVP: qiujing@borderlessproductions.com by 25th September 2007.
Further screenings will be held in Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin.
For showtimes in these locations, please visit our facebook page or the film's website.
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Felix Masi - Arriving from Kenya to NZ Thurs, 8 March 2007
How exciting - Felix is making his maiden journey to New Zealand, arriving tomorrow!!! The purpose of the trip is to translate our very lengthy footage filmed in Kenya last december into English. After arriving back here last Dec 06, we hunted high and low for translators of the 4 village dialects that the grnadmothers speak (we had anticipated recording in Kiswahili, but we discovered upon meeting them that they don't speak their national language in the villages). We couldnt find anyone in NZ with this skill, so our decision to bring Felix to NZ was made!!!
On many levels this is very exciting:
1. we get to finally transcribe our 53 hours of footage to English
2. Felix makes his first journey to NZ
3. The connection between Kenya and NZ is further solidified
4. Our project continues to build momentum.
I'd love to hear from you, and thank you all for your continued support. The Sponsors Club is growing and we're able to make the film happen because of you!
All love Q x
On many levels this is very exciting:
1. we get to finally transcribe our 53 hours of footage to English
2. Felix makes his first journey to NZ
3. The connection between Kenya and NZ is further solidified
4. Our project continues to build momentum.
I'd love to hear from you, and thank you all for your continued support. The Sponsors Club is growing and we're able to make the film happen because of you!
All love Q x
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
ARTICLE: 'Innovative Approach to Development Proves That Grandmas Know Best'
THE GRANDMOTHER PROJECT has recently been quoted in this article on the WORLDWATCH INSTITUTE - an independent ressearch organisation for an environmentally sustainable and socially just world. This article provides further evidence that grandmothers have a critical role to play in all aspects of our societies, especially in developing countries like Kenya.
'Innovative Approach to Development Proves That Grandmas Know Best'
http://www.worldwatch.org/node/4890
Regards,
Q
'Innovative Approach to Development Proves That Grandmas Know Best'
http://www.worldwatch.org/node/4890
Regards,
Q
Thursday, February 01, 2007
In Editing Mode and continually evolving...
You no doubt know that the 'A Grandmother's Tribe' production team is now back safely in Auckland, NZ. Our experience filming in Kenya (Nairobi, Busia, Kisumu and Nakuru) went splendidly!
'A Grandmother's Tribe', is now made up of 53 hours of high definition footage, a couple of editors, an edit suite getting warmed up, a team of story writers, a couple of executive producers and a lot of heartfelt support. It is remarkable how much has been accomplished with the encouragement of our many donors and sponsors. You have given us advice, finances, connections, positive attitudes and all this keeps directing us in the right way.
Our schedule for now, is to allow the film to make its way into the computer, to evolve the script from the completed treatment which we're very happy with, and to plan for the next phase of fund-raising. Apart from submitting applications to a couple of film funds and continuing with donations for our grandmothers, we're also working on putting together the 'Black Tie Gala event of the Year' aiming for mid 2007 as a pre-release event for the film!!! So watch this space for more announcements to come over the next few months.
The goal is to have the film ready for international festival release by July 2007, and in that release phase, we will also work on a couple of Premiere events around the world (one of which will definitely be back in Kenya with the stars of the film).
Many of you have asked when this documentary will be on television. For now, we are focused on our festival release strategy, and our television broadcasts are likely to unfold out of the success we have in theatres. When we do strike broadcast deals, we will be sure to tell you both on the BLOG and through our newsletter.
To remind you all, 'A Grandmother's Tribe' is a NOT FOR PROFIT venture. Produced by Borderless Productions, we are dedicated to making sure that all net proceeds are directed first back to the grandmothers featuring in our films. It has already started and this approach is working as you will have read about in the BLOG. These wonderful women will take care of ensuring that the money is spent on education for their children, building facilities for a better life in the villages and slums and the many other ways they plan to advance their lives in Kenya.
Beyond this and into the world...the film and campaign has a growth plan whereby we intend to reach grandmothers in communities in the developing world first and then eventually all grandmothers of the world. So there is definitely a lifetime of work set out in front of us.
As we have always maintained from the very start, all grandmothers are worth honouring...they are often the strength and backbone of our societies and the very group that we should be going to to learn our history, culture and take advice for the future.
Please contact me if there is anything I can do to help you be better informed on this film, or the campaign.
Thanks,
Qiujing
P +64 9 302 3103
C +64 21 620 348 or
email me at qiujing@borderlessproductions.com
'A Grandmother's Tribe', is now made up of 53 hours of high definition footage, a couple of editors, an edit suite getting warmed up, a team of story writers, a couple of executive producers and a lot of heartfelt support. It is remarkable how much has been accomplished with the encouragement of our many donors and sponsors. You have given us advice, finances, connections, positive attitudes and all this keeps directing us in the right way.
Our schedule for now, is to allow the film to make its way into the computer, to evolve the script from the completed treatment which we're very happy with, and to plan for the next phase of fund-raising. Apart from submitting applications to a couple of film funds and continuing with donations for our grandmothers, we're also working on putting together the 'Black Tie Gala event of the Year' aiming for mid 2007 as a pre-release event for the film!!! So watch this space for more announcements to come over the next few months.
The goal is to have the film ready for international festival release by July 2007, and in that release phase, we will also work on a couple of Premiere events around the world (one of which will definitely be back in Kenya with the stars of the film).
Many of you have asked when this documentary will be on television. For now, we are focused on our festival release strategy, and our television broadcasts are likely to unfold out of the success we have in theatres. When we do strike broadcast deals, we will be sure to tell you both on the BLOG and through our newsletter.
To remind you all, 'A Grandmother's Tribe' is a NOT FOR PROFIT venture. Produced by Borderless Productions, we are dedicated to making sure that all net proceeds are directed first back to the grandmothers featuring in our films. It has already started and this approach is working as you will have read about in the BLOG. These wonderful women will take care of ensuring that the money is spent on education for their children, building facilities for a better life in the villages and slums and the many other ways they plan to advance their lives in Kenya.
Beyond this and into the world...the film and campaign has a growth plan whereby we intend to reach grandmothers in communities in the developing world first and then eventually all grandmothers of the world. So there is definitely a lifetime of work set out in front of us.
As we have always maintained from the very start, all grandmothers are worth honouring...they are often the strength and backbone of our societies and the very group that we should be going to to learn our history, culture and take advice for the future.
Please contact me if there is anything I can do to help you be better informed on this film, or the campaign.
Thanks,
Qiujing
P +64 9 302 3103
C +64 21 620 348 or
email me at qiujing@borderlessproductions.com
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Updates from Funyula
Only a few weeks since Kimberley sent her support to the women of Funyula, we have been able to get progress photos of the acerage that she sponsored. These women now have a generator, pumps, irrigation, fertiliser and seeds to be able to plant this acre of land and grow crops to raise money for school fees and other necessities.
Felix returned to Funyula this week from Nairobi to document the progress, and here is what he just sent us.
Its amazing to be able to track this kind of work so easily thanks to Technology, but moreso thanks to the incredible dedication of Felix in kenya who tirelessly works to make our job as supporters so much more enjoyable.
Thanks Felix.
Q x
Monday, January 08, 2007
Thanks to our sponsors and donors...keep up the great support!
This is a special note to thank our sponsors and supporters of A Grandmothers Tribe.
Wishing you all a very happy new year, and on behalf of Dean, Felix, Susie and the team in Kenya whom we have had the great fortune of working with, thanks very much for your support. Your donation, best wishes, emails, connections and ideas have been the most awesome contribution to this project!
Dean and I got back from Kenya a few days ago after what was a wonderfully eye opening, life enriching experience. It’s hard to describe in words the way people live there – thank goodness we’re making a film so we can show you instead of tell you :) We were talking with friends when we got back and I think the whole thing was a bit like a mini-miracle really. We didn’t lose anything, we didn’t get sick, we weren’t harassed (much), we had the perfect fixer (Felix) and crew, and we found the most wonderful grannies and their families. I find it hard to imagine what we might have found if we hadn’t enlisted the support of Felix in Nairobi.
We feel that this project is definitely on the right track. We haven’t had to push too hard to make anything work, which is a good sign. The film definitely wants to be made and these people are definitely worth helping out.
On top of being able to shoot 53 hours of footage in very interesting villages and slums in Kenya, we were also able to provide assistance personally to a couple of grannies and their communities. One of my greatest lessons in being there in the capacity of a humanitarian worker is learning “HOW” best to help. Handing over cash can often be disastrous, and ruin peoples lives and their communities. So with the careful guidance of Felix and the locals, we were able to assess the best way to help. Our conclusion was to do things that give people a hand up and not a hand out...the classic story of teaching man to fish! So with that in mind, we were able to sponsor the planting of an acreage plantation for 30 grannies to raise money to “get ahead” and send their grandchildren to school (thank you Kimberley and family), provide some xmas gifts to various grannies, buy a couple of mattresses for a few grannies to sleep on so they can rest better and care better for the younger children, and sponsor education for a couple of teenagers in the slum who care for their bed-bound granny.
The challenge we faced experiencing such widespread poverty is the amount of it - it was quite crippling. So the best thing to do is to understand that we may not be able to help all 800,000 in Kibera slum, or to build a home for every person in the village..but to know that by helping one or two, they in turn will be stronger and help more of those around them.
One of the most touching moments for me was when Malcolm, one of our Kibera security boys told me as I was leaving that in all his years of growing up in Kibera he had never thought about giving anything back to his people...and after working with us, he felt strongly that he wanted to try to do something to make Kibera a better place to live. He wants to help someone with the small amount of money he has, or maybe even mentor someone. Very cool!
So, thanks everyone, and we wish you all a prosperous, rewarding and very happy and healthy 2007! We’re into the scripting and editing phase and will keep you posted over the next 3-4 months on the completion of this film.
Support is continually welcomed as we continue to cover post-productions costs such as translations, editing and so on. Please pass on this information to your friends and families if you think they would be interested in joining our sponsors club.
Regards,
The AGT team.. xx
Wishing you all a very happy new year, and on behalf of Dean, Felix, Susie and the team in Kenya whom we have had the great fortune of working with, thanks very much for your support. Your donation, best wishes, emails, connections and ideas have been the most awesome contribution to this project!
Dean and I got back from Kenya a few days ago after what was a wonderfully eye opening, life enriching experience. It’s hard to describe in words the way people live there – thank goodness we’re making a film so we can show you instead of tell you :) We were talking with friends when we got back and I think the whole thing was a bit like a mini-miracle really. We didn’t lose anything, we didn’t get sick, we weren’t harassed (much), we had the perfect fixer (Felix) and crew, and we found the most wonderful grannies and their families. I find it hard to imagine what we might have found if we hadn’t enlisted the support of Felix in Nairobi.
We feel that this project is definitely on the right track. We haven’t had to push too hard to make anything work, which is a good sign. The film definitely wants to be made and these people are definitely worth helping out.
On top of being able to shoot 53 hours of footage in very interesting villages and slums in Kenya, we were also able to provide assistance personally to a couple of grannies and their communities. One of my greatest lessons in being there in the capacity of a humanitarian worker is learning “HOW” best to help. Handing over cash can often be disastrous, and ruin peoples lives and their communities. So with the careful guidance of Felix and the locals, we were able to assess the best way to help. Our conclusion was to do things that give people a hand up and not a hand out...the classic story of teaching man to fish! So with that in mind, we were able to sponsor the planting of an acreage plantation for 30 grannies to raise money to “get ahead” and send their grandchildren to school (thank you Kimberley and family), provide some xmas gifts to various grannies, buy a couple of mattresses for a few grannies to sleep on so they can rest better and care better for the younger children, and sponsor education for a couple of teenagers in the slum who care for their bed-bound granny.
The challenge we faced experiencing such widespread poverty is the amount of it - it was quite crippling. So the best thing to do is to understand that we may not be able to help all 800,000 in Kibera slum, or to build a home for every person in the village..but to know that by helping one or two, they in turn will be stronger and help more of those around them.
One of the most touching moments for me was when Malcolm, one of our Kibera security boys told me as I was leaving that in all his years of growing up in Kibera he had never thought about giving anything back to his people...and after working with us, he felt strongly that he wanted to try to do something to make Kibera a better place to live. He wants to help someone with the small amount of money he has, or maybe even mentor someone. Very cool!
So, thanks everyone, and we wish you all a prosperous, rewarding and very happy and healthy 2007! We’re into the scripting and editing phase and will keep you posted over the next 3-4 months on the completion of this film.
Support is continually welcomed as we continue to cover post-productions costs such as translations, editing and so on. Please pass on this information to your friends and families if you think they would be interested in joining our sponsors club.
Regards,
The AGT team.. xx
Saturday, December 23, 2006
Merry Christmas
From the team in Kenya, we wish you a wonderful Christmas. The journey is almost over, and our time with grandmothers and their families in both the villages and cities in Kenya has changed our perspective of humanity forever! This year, thanks already to many friends with big hearts, we have not only been able to begin making a fabulous film, but we have also contibuted to helping up many whom really need our support. Grandmothers in Kenya have benefited from bags of flour, sugar and tubs of fat, parrafin, AN ACERAGE PLANTATION fitout with generator, pump and irrigation, and grandmothers in Kibera, Nairobi have been given small gifts and their grandchildren will be supported with education in 2007.
The team in Kenya working with us, Felix Masi our fixer, Susie Banfield resident grandmother and photographer, Ken and Ngungu our drivers, Malcolm X, Brian Jnr ("Daddy"), Kenneth, Abuja and Badi our security, and Laya, Pastor, Mili and Judith our guides, are incredible people whom we will not forget. Thanks for making Kenya a colourful place to be! :)
For now, Dean and I are back to NZ soon to complete the making of this film, and the next steps promise to be just as exciting as the previous ones. We plan on a NZ based Black Tie Gala Event starring the grannies from our film, travels back to the grandmothers in Kenya to premiere the film, and a global distribution to all festivals and cinemas to finally deliver the world this beautiful story of the unsung heroes of Africa.
Merry Christmas to you all!
Love the AGT team..xx
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