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Finding peace beyond one's comfort zone I have been making films since I was 13 years old. I began by making films about environmental issues and the importance of conservation on a local, national and international level. My films won various national and international awards and I was encouraged to explore new ways of communicating my love for the outdoors. Gradually my films became more adventure-themed and I started to document my backpacking walks along various long-distance trails in the UK. I wanted to share the beauty of our countryside with those who have never been there and empower and encourage my viewers to don their walking boots and head outdoors for themselves. My hope was that as people developed a personal relationship with the landscapes around them, they would naturally want to protect them!
During college my issues with mental health started to become apparent and I found myself struggling to keep choosing life. I did however realise how significant spending time outside was to helping my mental wellbeing, and have since sought to communicate this in my recent films. I decided to document on film some of the stories of people who turned to nature to overcome their mental health problems. I wholeheartedly believe in encouraging my viewers to get outside of their comfort zone, overcome setbacks, dream big and chase whatever sets their soul on fire. I have done all the scripting, shooting, presenting and editing for my films by myself. |
Spend More Time in The WILD
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Marieanne's Story
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Marieanne is a talented ceramic artist. Throughout her childhood and late teenage years she struggled with bipolar, experiencing a ceaseless cycle of manic highs and deep lows. She battled self-harm and eating issues that lead to overwhelming urges to end her life. Following assuming various identities and feeling unable to connect with those around her, Marieanne found herself in hospital, where she discovered her proficiency with clay. Marieanne talks about how her nature-inspired artwork and time spent outdoors aided her recovery and allowed her to develop a more intimate relationship with God.
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Chalky's Story
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Chalky is a war veteran. He served in Iraq and currently suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Chalky shares what life has been like since developing the illness, and how his nature photography has helped him on the road to recovery. Chalky's film is part of the WILD Stories project - a space where people can share their experiences of mental health and how their engagement with the natural world has offered relief and healing.
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The Delights of Dawn
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I made this sort film back in 2014 when I 17. I went out each morning for a week and enjoyed chasing the light, whilst looking for wildlife in the fields near my home in Somerset. The film wasn't really planned, I just captured an array of footage every time I stumbled upon something interesting or an angle that caught my eye, and then pieced it together into this short film. I wanted to portray the fleeting but magical moments that dawn represents - moments we all too often miss for an extra 5 minutes of sleep!
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