#crowdfunding - The Bodhi Wave
In Costa Rica four change-makers use surfing, yoga and business to inspire environmental change.
Interview with Writer/Director Jazeen Hollings
Watch The Bodhi Wave here:
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
I got in touch with Travis, Pilar, Adrianne and Gibran after my parents spent a week surfing and practicing yoga with them. My parents, who were not particularly conscious of their environmental impact, were more aware when they returned. The change in attitude surprised me, and that surprise turned into curiosity. I wanted to know who these people were and I wanted to explore some of the broader themes that their lives are entwined with.
How can you inspire environmental awareness? How can surfing, yoga and nature-based experiences create environmental change? What can businesses and individuals do to protect the ocean and their own environments? Can economic development and sustainability really flourish simultaneously? These are some pretty complex questions. I love investigating complex questions.
I also wanted to execute this exploration in a different way. Environmental documentaries are often crisis-driven, exhibiting urgency, warning, negativity and fear. They dramatize the struggles of scientists, environmentalists and politicians but they rarely offer a positive model for action. I feel very strongly that change is possible and in order to foster change we should focus on positive action rather than negative decline.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
You should watch this film for two reasons: One, because it is a very liberating story and two, because it is a very interesting combination of topics. There are surfing documentaries, there are yoga documentaries, there are travel documentaries and then there are environmental documentaries. This film takes very specific parts of those genres and combines them.
A film about environmentalism, friendship, surfing, yoga and change.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
The personal theme of doing what you love is fairly evident in the film. The characters in the film show that you can not only leave your day job to pursue what you love but you can also have a positive impact in your community by doing so. It’s not easy but it’s possible.
The theme of doing what you love is connected to larger environmental themes found at individual and corporate levels. Successful pro-environmental change is slow. It is easier to foster when it comes from a place of love, compassion and respect for the union of humanity and nature rather than fear, guilt, or obligation. Businesses play a major role in shaping culture, economy and the environment. The call for corporate responsibility is louder than ever. Businesses and the individuals behind them have the opportunity to use their skills and commit to improving the world around them.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development and production?
I’ll be honest I’ve been in university for a long time so the first few drafts of the proposal ended up being really stale. It took about two months of reworking and editing until I was satisfied with the tone of the writing and direction of the film. Production starts in December and because it hasn’t been shot yet the story is bound to change. I’m not going to force it into any preconceived box.
The story will link the lives of our main characters to major issues we all face amidst our declining environment. We will also be conducting interviews with government officials, local Costa Ricans, businesses and researchers about the questions and themes of the film. I know one thing is for certain, there’s going to be a lot of beautiful scenery, a lot of deep meaningful conversations and hopefully a sloth or two.
Forward thinker Travis Bays is always looking ahead and truly believes that business can be used for good.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
It’s been very positive and supportive. The best way to sum up the feedback we’ve gotten so far came from a message from one of our Indiegogo campaign supporters, “Incredible group of people who are making a difference. Maybe their story will help inspire future generations of what’s possible when you do what you love.”
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
It’s been surprising in the sense that I didn’t think so many people would be so supportive. It has been a very heart warming experience and I am deeply moved by the support we have gotten so far. It motivates me to make the best film I can.
I hope we get feedback that challenges what we are doing. I would love to get into a heated debate about the “right” way to cultivate pro-environmental change. Debating is how you arrive at the best solutions. Maybe they have a point of view I have never even considered.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I am looking for conversation and collaboration. I want people to talk to us and see how they can get involved, not just with the film but with the environmental problems and solutions the film discusses. A bit of extra funding wouldn’t hurt either.
Adrianne Chandra-Huff finds peace on the board as it brings her closer to nature.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
We need distributors; film festival directors and journalists in order provide the right type exposure that the film deserves.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I’m sure every filmmaker wants a positive reception, myself included. I really hope people think it’s both visually and thematically motivating. I think it would be even better if were able to positively impact change in surf schools, yoga studios as well as the film community by showing that sustainable production is a step in the right direction.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
What is it that cultivates positive environmental behaviours and attitudes? How do we get people to want to care for and protect the environment?
Would you like to add anything else?
Thank you for having us on and for taking the time to read! It’s been a pleasure to share a bit about our production. Please join the journey:
@thebodhiwave (Instagram)
What are the key creatives developing or working on now?
We have a lot on our plates with The Bodhi Wave but I also have a short film called HWY 6 in the works. It’s a very different breed. It’s a chase story that focuses on the day a woman finally escapes the suffocating grasp of her abusive husband. She speeds down the only road on their isolated island, highway six, to catch the last ferry to the mainland. But I won’t be able to give it the attention it deserves until The Bodhi Wave is completed.
Our producer, Cesar, is currently producing travel films for the Canada 150 celebration next year, which is very exciting!
Interview: November 2016
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We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series and music video. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela
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The Bodhi Wave
In Costa Rica four change-makers use surfing, yoga and business to inspire environmental change.
Length:
20-30 minutes
Director:
Jazeen Hollings
Producer:
Cesar Barbosa
Writer:
Jazeen Hollings
About the writer, director and producer:
Jazeen Hollings is an independent filmmaker from Toronto, Canada. She strives to showcase and create stories that make a difference and start conversations.
With more than seven years of experience, Cesar Barbosa has produced commercials, branded content, documentaries, feature films, music videos and TV shows.
Key cast:
Travis Bays, Pilar Salazar, Adrianne Chandra-Huff, Gibran Garcia
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists):
Distributors, Film Festival Directors; Journalists.
Funders:
KingYoga Canada
Fineline Control
81 Indiegogo Backers (so far)
HustleItUpFilms
Release date:
September 2017