Film School Dream

I want to start by saying that this is not an easy thing for me to do. I do not find it easy to ask for help, and I know there are many worthy causes to donate to, for people who are in far worse situations than myself. I appreciate the time you are even taking to read this.

Documentary photography has been my passion for as long as I can remember. I got my first camera when I was five years old and haven't been without one since. It is very much an extension of me.

I have worked in education (my other passion) for ten years now while doing photography on the side. I have decided that it is time for me to pursue my dream of becoming a documentary filmmaker - if I don't do it now, I fear I never will!

I am most passionate about telling the stories of te iwi Maori through film. It is important to me that our stories are captured for future generations, and that cross-cultural understanding is encouraged in the present day through the mutual understanding that can be gained by our stories being told. Outside of this, I believe New Zealand on the whole has many important and inspirational stories that need to be told, and I want to be one of those who helps them to be heard.

In August this year I will move to New York to start a new life as a full-time Masters student in documentary film-making. This is an incredibly stressful and expensive undertaking for me as I will leave my full-time job, my home and my family in order to essentially start over.

I am currently seeking assistance to cover the cost of my tuition and living costs while in the States. I will apply for approximately 20 scholarships before I leave, and I am saving as much as I can from my current work. I estimate the total cost of my two year studies to be $240,000 NZD.

If you are able to donate anything at all towards my cause I would be eternally grateful.

Thank you again for your time, Ana (Muaupoko/Ngai Tara).