I am a director and executive producer of documentaries, specialising in environmental, investigative and human rights narratives. Having come from a background in Law, with a post grad. in Photojournalism, I have filmed in over 70 countries, bringing journalistic stories the fore, with cinematic way. Most my work is access-driven, often deali...
Read MoreI am a director and executive producer of documentaries, specialising in environmental, investigative and human rights narratives. Having come from a background in Law, with a post grad. in Photojournalism, I have filmed in over 70 countries, bringing journalistic stories the fore, with cinematic way. Most my work is access-driven, often dealing with extremely sensitive subjects. I seek intimacy and emotion. Over the last year, through COVID-19 lockdowns, I have filmed on and off in the USA, looking at how the environment one lives in, determines ones health. 'You Are Where You Live ' accesses the USA's largest Community Health Centre, AltaMed, with intimate stories of the patients -and Mexican American doctors- in the most impoverished area of LA. This film explore how and why those living in the holiday meccas of LA can expect to live a decade longer than those a few miles away in Southgate. As farmers commit suicide at a higher rate than any other profession in the USA, a second 60' min. film, ' For The Love Of The Land', tells very personal stories of how environmental change is affecting mental health in those who live off the land. Filmed in Arizona, Wisconsin and California. The third film, 'Fighting For Air' investigates how the rise of Amazon and our vast online boom has created a massive logistics industry causing toxic pollution, asthma and lung disorders. This film takes us to the most polluted part of the USA, San Bernadino, and looks at how the community of colour is fighting back. These character-driven hour docs. will transmit 2022 on PBS, USA. I worked as Head of Docs for several years at Thomson Reuters Foundation ( the philanthropic wing of Reuters Global News Network), who have a humanitarian remit. I pushed to create vital, visually striking documentary video content. I managed and exec. produced the team's work, whilst travelling extensively to direct and bring films to fruition. With tiny budgets and tight deadlines, an easy going, flexible yet tenacious nature have been critical - along with a sense of humour! Each of my films has been accepted to festivals and many have won awards. 'South Africa's Dirty Secret: Coal,' (a co-production with PBS, USA) which investigates the country's reliance on coal in an era of sustainable energy, won an LA Regional Emmy. (2021) 'Young Lives On the Line:#climatecrisis' ( filmed in Alaska, USA, Pacific Isles and South Africa) explores the lives of young climate activists fighting a unique case at the UN. I pestered Greta Thunberg for months, finally gaining an interview with her for inclusion in this film, which won an LA Press Journalism Award (2021) 'Green Gold?' looks at how our global appetite for the superfood avocados has led to penury and water shortages in Chile. This was selected to Faces of Hunger Int’l Hunger Festival, 2021, Water Docs. Festival, 2020, Environmental Festival in the Nation’s Capital 2020, shortlisted to SIMA 2020. It was also included in SIMA education program worldwide. For the anniversary the Stonewall Riots in the USA, I developed, directed and exec-ed a documentary film shot in four continents exploring personal stories of challenges faced by LGBT+ people today. 'Stonewall 50: where next for LGBT+ Lives?' was shortlisted to Amnesty Awards 2020 and European Press Prize 2020. The opening screened at Pride London. It was also screened at Dublin Human Rights Festival 2019, San Antonio QFest, LGBT Int’l Festival 2019, Mumbai Int’l Queer Festival 2020 and was winner, best LGBTQ film Woodpecker Int’l Festival 2919. Prior to TRF, I have worked as Head of Film and Photo at a global NGO, as a commissioner with BBC Factual and as a freelance director across flagship shows such as Panorama and Great Railway Journeys. I have sensitively and smartly interviewed a very wide variety of people, including royalty, celebrities, world-class politicians and scientists, victims of human trafficking, those with mental health issues, and many who have suffered traumatic experiences in a myriad of ways. Aside from directing and exec-ing, with an MA in Photojournalism, I photograph at every opportunity. My photos form part of the prestigious Reuters Archive, and I have exhibited in solo and group exhibitions in London, taught photography and my images have formed part of key NGO campaigns. I have taken part in numerous screenings and panel debates, organised film events and judged sustainability awards. I am determined to tell stories which help bring impact, or spur the thought of change, and I hope to do so with style, stunning visual and editorial rigour and integrity.
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