Eco Film Captures NZ’s Treasures   14 Oct 2016

October 13th 2016 - Press Release

Photo courtesy Soul Places Movie

Eco Film Captures NZ’s Treasures

"Wake up, it’s time to wake up,” proclaims Dr Rangimarie Rose Pere, who features in Manawatu born filmmaker Mark Lapwood’s new film, "Soul Places”.

"I just can’t believe we are so far removed from what is a part of ourselves," claims Pere, referring to humanities predominant disconnection from the natural world.

"Soul Places" a feature length documentary, is a cinematic exploration of the beauty of nature and humanity, and the deep connection between Soul and Place.

"The majority of people in New Zealand live in cities, yet depression, anxiety and isolation are increasingly prominent, especially with our young people. It’s a serious issue," Lapwood points out.

The filmmakers launched a crowd funding campaign on the Boosted platformon Monday to raise money quickly to film more with elders like Rose, while they’re still alive. www.boosted.org.nz/projects/soul-places

"It’s quite urgent as these elders are national living treasures, mostly in their mid to late 70’s. When they pass on, their wisdom goes with them," says Lapwood.

“We've reached 28% of our funding goal after the first three days, which is incredible. It seems the trailer really resonates with people. Yet we need the support of our audience to ensure we complete the film.” explains Lapwood

"We’re donating a free copy of the film to schools in New Zealand for every $100 raised in the campaign.”

"It’s so important our young people benefit from a healthy connection to nature, especially those growing up in lower socio-economic urban areas.

"Every living thing that seeks sustenance from our earth mother is family,” maintains Pere.

The spirit of the land has always been with people," says Barry Brailsford, another key participant in the film.

Brailsford MBE was scribe for "Song of Waitaha" and author of many celebrated books, including "A Tattooed Land” and "Song of the Stone".

"Science is proving what we've always known intuitively: Nature does good things to the human brain. It makes us healthier, happier, and smarter,” says writer Florence Williams in her National Geographic article ("This is Your Brain in Nature”, January 2016).

"We launched the film’s trailer on Facebook and it went nuts online – the response was very positive. It’s been played over 5,000 times, had an organic reach of 20,000-plus with over 2,020 reactions, comments and shares. This is without any post-boosting.” claims Lapwood

"We’re looking for donors, sponsors and market partners to engage with us while making this important film." says Lapwood.

Lapwood’s debut short film, “Eclipse," shot on the streets of Mumbai, premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York, won an AFI (Australian Film Institute) award and ACS (Australian Cinematographers Society) Gold in 2007 for best cinematography.

Mark Lapwood works professionally as a cinematographer in the film industry. His career started as a photographer on the Manawatu Evening Standard in 1987. He trained as a cinematographer in Sydney during the 1990’s, then worked for eight years in Asia, mostly Mumbai (Bombay), India. He returned to New Zealand after 20 years overseas to make ‘Soul Places’.

https://www.boosted.org.nz/projects/soul-places

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