Proposed filming project
21 May 09
TOUCHED BY FIRE : A Community Speaks
A proposed local filming project documenting stories of survival and recovery from the 2009 Victorian Bushfires.
Hi, my name is Matthew Cairns and I am a local filmmaker residing in McMahons Creek, Victoria, about 20 minutes north-east of Warburton. I experienced first hand the devastating fires of 2003 in Canberra and those of 2009 in Victoria. These events have brought many issues to light and have affected so many people in differing ways. I feel a strong need to document on video stories from our community of the events leading up to, during and following the February Fires in Victoria - views coming from within our community.
I am asking members of our community - from residents, emergency services, firefighters and support personnel (volunteers in recovery centres , staff of ABC 774 and community radio) who are ready to tell of their experiences to please contact me on 0419 152 733 or matthewhcairns@gmail.com to express interest in becoming involved.
I hope to achieve:
-The sharing of personal experiences with the wider community through the accessible medium of video to inform and educate people of different ages and awareness
-The encouragement of community dialogue as part of the healing process in a relaxed and comfortable setting
-A contribution to the documentation of the history of Victoria
-Documentation of the recovery process and what it means to people
The highest priority would be made to film sensitively with minimal intrusion to those ready to be interviewed.
I am currently looking at potential grants to assist with finances, and am in contact with the Yarra Ranges Regional Museum who have expressed interest in helping out with development of the project.