Film School Dream: Thesis Year

Those of you who have supported me in my journey so far, will know that my dream is to become a documentary filmmaker specialising in kaupapa Maori and the arts. You will also have heard me say many times how passionate I am about ensuring our stories are told by our own people, for our own people, and from our perspectives.

Last year after a great deal of consideration, I applied, and was grateful to be accepted into the two-year Masters in Social Documentary Film programme at the School of Visual Arts (SVA) in New York.

Because of the massive cost of studying overseas, I reluctantly set up a Give A Little page to help raise funds for my first year. The response was overwhelming. Thanks to my friends, family, and even total strangers, I was incredibly lucky to raise $4500NZD from the page. These funds, combined with the other funds that were obtained from scholarships, a fundraising concert, a hangi fundraiser, multiple raffles and personal savings, meant that I was able to meet the costs of my first year of study. The cost is approximately $120,000NZD per year.

Having met my visa requirements, I left my job, packed up my home, said my terribly sad goodbyes to friends and whanau, and arrived in New York on the 4th of August this year. I started my course on the 6th of September, and I am now well and truly into my first semester.

Had it not been for the funds I received from my incredible supporters through Give A Little, I simply would not have been able to accept the offer of a position at SVA. I know from experience that if I am going to raise enough funds to stay in New York and complete my second (thesis) year, I need to start actively fundraising now. I have already started reapplying for scholarships, and I am currently seeking other sources of funding in both New Zealand and New York.

I have set up this Give A Little page so that anyone who is willing and able to support me to raise funds for my second year can do so. Every single cent counts and is appreciated. If you are unable to support financially but are happy to help by sharing this page on your social media sites and with potential funders, I will be equally as appreciative.

You can see the details of other fundraisers I am running by viewing my ‘Film School Fundraiser’ Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/979787065446544/

You can also keep up-to-date with my movements and progress by reading my ‘Aotearoa 2 New York’ blog on Wordpress here: https://aotearoa2newyork.wordpress.com

Thank you in advance for your ongoing support. Forever grateful, Ana X