New Filmmaking Initiative to Capture Canterbury's Most Inspiring Stories

The Inspiring Stories Trust will be holding a two-day intensive workshop in Christchurch March 29 to March 30 and is looking for energetic young Cantabrians aged 13 to 26 with a passion for storytelling and documentary filmmaking.

 “In light of the huge tragedy Christchurch has suffered, the Inspiring Stories project provides a great outlet for young filmmakers to capture some of the most inspiring stories in New Zealand,” says project coordinator, Guy Ryan.

“The earthquake had a profound effect on the entire country and I’m sure there are many compelling stories yet to be told by young people of Christchurch.”

During the workshop, participants will learn new skills, connect with local industry professional mentors, and kick-start a two to four minute short film project about a young person making a difference in the local community.

The project is being headed by award-winning young filmmaker and CEO of the Inspiring Stories Trust, Guy Ryan and is possible due to support from the Vodafone NZ Foundation’s 2011 World of Difference programme.

“We are now four weeks into the 15-week nationwide workshop series, a youth-led initiative that aims to spark inspirational short film productions to motivate change in the local community,” says Guy.

 “The workshops we’ve held so far in Nelson, Greymouth, and Wanaka have been a huge success. It’s great to see teams of young filmmakers working away on films that will ultimately inspire change.”

The short films that the young people make will be showcased and celebrated at the Inspiring Stories Film Festival in Wellington later in the year.

Places for the Christchurch workshop are still available and applications can be made online via the Inspiring Stories Trust website – www.inspiringstories.org.nz.

The Social Innovation Trust, who has been helping to run the Student Volunteer Army, led by Louis Brown is providing local support for the initiative.