Documentary Films Playlist
The Big Steppe
For thousands of years, Mongolian herders have travelled across the plains on the steppe in search of the healthiest pastures for their herds of livestock to graze. In recent years, many herders have abandoned their traditional life to look for opportunities in the capital Ulaanbaatar creating a dramatic modern shift in rural to urban migration. The capital is surrounded by slums known as ger camps with limited opportunities. Told from the perspectives of Mongolian nomadic herders, what will life be like for the next generation of herders?
Yagé is Our Life
For centuries the indigenous peoples of the Amazon have been using yagé (sometimes known as ayahuasca) for the health, social cohesion and spiritual guidance of their communities. Yagé is rich in the potent psychedelic substance DMT and for indigenous Amazonian communities, it is sacred and allows them access to ancient wisdom and the spirits of nature. In their ceremonies, the taitas or traditional doctors use yagé to treat their patients for physical and emotional illnesses and as a guide for making decisions.
John Burkhill: One in a Million
An inspiring story about the life and achievements of Sheffield’s fundraising legend, John Burkhill, AKA The Mad Man with the Pram. John has been fundraising since the 1960's and continues to take part in races all over the country despite being in his eighties. John has dedicated most of his adult life to charity fundraising and has many stories to tell. Now he's set out to compete for his biggest challenge yet, to raise one million pounds for Macmillan Cancer Trust.
Strangers No More
The film follows a group of Rotherham based older people from different races and backgrounds working with artist Lora Krasteva to participate in different art forms while exploring the themes of ethnicity and ageing in Rotherham.
I produced this documentary film for the University of Sheffield Social Science team as part of the Ethnicity & Unequal Ageing research project - www.ethnicityandunequalageing.ac.uk
Action Against Hunger:
Helping the Colombian Wayuu people to fight malnutrition
La Guajira is a remote, desert region and home to the indigenous Wayuu people. A humanitarian crisis has resulted from seven years of drought. This film tells the story of how the EU and its humanitarian partner Action Against Hunger are delivering life-saving food assistance and providing health care for those at risk no matter how isolated they are.
I produced this short film for the Associated Press.
Out Here: Borussia Dortmund
Take a Trip Inside the Borussia Dortmund Talent Factory.
Aaron West visits the BVB academy to learn just how they keep on producing elite players.
I filmed and edited this feature for BR Football, broadcast as part of their Champions League coverage on US cable TV channel TNT.
My Life: The Changing Face of Beauty
An inspiring BBC series for young people who lead challenging and special lives. This film follows three young people with disabilities who are determined to change our perception of beauty.
I filmed with Rafi in Sheffield: Rafi was 12 when he suddenly collapsed with a brain haemorrhage. He was rushed into intensive care and unable to speak or move for months. He is now 17 and not only has he learned to walk and talk again, he has also embarked on a career in modelling. In a moving sequence we see him take to the catwalk at a charity fashion show, five years to the day since his brain haemorrhage.
From 14.50
Young People Together: We Want Change
An inspiring collective of young people seeking sanctuary in Sheffield meet together to explore how creativity can bring people together. Told from the perspective of the participants who all live in Sheffield but originate from many different countries, the film follows the group as they discuss themes of migration, friendship, isolation, prejudice while exploring the world they want for their futures.
Sessions were facilitated by the wonderful Stand & Be Counted Theatre, I also worked with Thea Shahrokh and Asma Kabadeh. The group still continue to meet to this day such was the bond created from this initial project.