Does Information Really Want to Be Free?

Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Media Ecologies, along with a brief overview of what's been capturing my attention lately.

The Responsible VR Storyteller: Crafting Regenerative Futures in Immersive Environments

In the digital age, storytelling has evolved with the emergence of new realms of imagination and interaction. Digital technology has not only expanded the platforms and mediums through which stories are told but also drastically changed the very nature of narrative engagement. From the written word to immersive virtual realities, transmedia storytelling now offers a multifaceted canvas where stories are not just passively consumed but actively experienced, inviting audiences to step into the story, to live and breathe within the narrative, not dissimilar to how indigenous communities shared knowledge through oral storytelling through generations. In today’s dynamic landscape, storytellers have the potential to be architects of experiential worlds, leveraging technology to craft stories that resonate deeply, engage profoundly, and linger long in the memory. Along with such opportunities comes responsibility; narratives shape our beliefs and contribute to our imagined futures.

The Emergence of Virtual Reality

A Samburu man viewing VR rushes from previous days in the field whilst our team was filming ‘ecosphere:Kenya.’ Photo: Angie Richard.

Virtual Reality (VR) has emerged as a transformative tool for storytellers. Unlike traditional storytelling mediums, VR offers an immersive environment where the audience, or percipient, is able to have a more embodied experience. The unique offering for VR storytelling is the ability to create a sense of presence, transporting users into different worlds and perspectives. Whether it's stepping into a historical event, breathing in reciprocity with nature, or experiencing the lived experience of another person, VR makes these experiences palpable and emotionally resonant. It extends the boundaries of storytelling beyond the visual and auditory, often incorporating elements of touch and spatial awareness, thus engaging multiple senses and creating a holistic experience.

Moreover, VR's narrative creation is not limited by physical constraints, allowing storytellers to craft intricate and complex worlds that would be impossible to replicate in real life. This has significant implications for education, empathy-building, and entertainment, offering new ways to learn, understand, and feel stories. Facilitated by empathetic storytellers and technologists, VR becomes more than just a hyped gadget; it's a powerful medium that can evoke stronger emotions, foster deeper understanding, and leave a lasting impact on its audience.

From Sharks to Global Narratives

Nearly a decade ago, my friend and mentor Taylor Steele introduced me to the world of VR, first placing me in a mobile-powered headset that transported me underwater off the coast of South Australia, face-to-face with a Great White Shark. That heart-pounding moment was soon followed by another profound experience: a VR project by Steele depicting a mining worker virtually witnessing his wife's childbirth from afar. These experiences, immersive and emotionally charged, ignited my passion for impactful storytelling in virtual reality. Furthermore, working Sybil Steele and her female-founded creative studio TEMME, I began to explore the potential of elevating human stories in VR.

Premiering TEMME’s VR film Mothers of the Atlas at the United Nations Social Good Summit in New York, a 360° documentary exploring how wireless mobile technology contributes to women’s maternal health in Morocco’s Atlas Mountains. Photo: Paul de Luna.

My journey over two decades of storytelling, evolving from a surf/travel magazine writer and editor to a digital publisher and eco-adventure filmmaker, has always been fueled by a deep-seated curiosity and empathy for diverse human experiences. Semi-nomadic living and extensive global wandering alone and with my family has cemented my belief that we must rekindle our role as planetary custodians. We've lost touch with the cultural and ecological narratives that our ancestors passed down orally, narratives that once shaped worldviews promoting regenerative living. As Tyson Yunkaporta puts it, we’ve become trapped in 'wrong stories' leading to degenerative practices. Futurist Monika Bielskyte's work resonate with me, and her words: "Those who control the fantasy control the future." Although I'm not a technologist or camera expert – I’m storyteller and regenerative futures researcher - the power and potential of VR storytelling compelled me to enter this male-dominated field. My goal is clear: to champion and create stories that pave the way for a more equitable and sustainable future for all.

Angie on location in Raja Ampat with Director Joseph Purdam, filming ‘ecosphere.’ Photo: PHORIA.

Collaborating with skilled technologists and camera experts, I’ve had the privilege of applying my storytelling and production skills to the realm of immersive technology. This collaboration has led to impactful projects like the award-winning 'ecosphere' natural history series, climate security documentary 'Sea of Islands', and a recent VR animated film ‘What If’, which vividly portrays the potential impacts of climate change in Dubai. These projects, shared on major global stages such as the United Nations’ General Assembly and COP conferences, meld my dual passions for human and nature narratives, breaking new ground in VR documentary storytelling and introducing diverse global perspectives to a wide audience. On a personal note, this technology allowed my late grandmother to virtually join my family’s travels across Asia, experiencing our journey through 360° videos I created for her to view in a VR headset.

United Nations delegation watching climate security documentary ‘Sea of Islands’. Photo: UNDPPA.

Access to Immersive Technology

While access to VR experiences remains a challenge, the rise of community-based experiences is making VR more accessible and social, circumventing the need for personal equipment. I am a firm advocate for this broader access, fully aware of the internet bandwidth limitations in remote communities worldwide. Engaging in conversations with indigenous friends and elders, I explore how this technology might benefit their communities. A memorable instance occurred during the filming of 'Sea of Islands' in Fiji. After viewing our 'ecosphere' episode on Raja Ampat, a village headman was inspired by the coral reef replanting efforts in Misool. He saw the potential of using a shared VR headset to educate local villages and government officials, hoping to spark similar environmental projects and garner funding support in Fiji. In crafting distribution plans and contemplating legacy in this space, production companies and VR storytellers must thoughtfully consider such access. Ensuring widespread availability is vital to the impact and longevity of our work in immersive storytelling, as is the importance of co-creation with local communities (I will write an entire blog about co-creation soon).

A village headman in Fiji watching ‘ecosphere: Raja Ampat’, which inspired his community to want to try coral replanting programs as demonstrated by locals in Misool. Photo: Angie Richard.

Funding challenges also present a unique hurdle for immersive storytelling. Unlike traditional film production, VR demands specialized equipment, software, and technical expertise, often inflating production costs. The niche nature of VR content can also be a deterrent for conventional funding sources like studios and networks, which may be hesitant to invest heavily in a medium still gaining ground in mainstream media. Additionally, the return on investment for VR projects can be less predictable, given the relatively smaller audience base and the need for specific viewing equipment. This landscape requires VR filmmakers to seek alternative funding routes, such as grants focused on technological innovation, crowdfunding, and partnerships with tech companies keen on promoting VR technology. Despite these challenges, the potential of VR documentaries to offer unparalleled immersive experiences keeps driving creators to find innovative solutions to bring our visions to life.

Technical set up* of our custom VR cameras whilst filming ‘ecosphere: Kenya’. Photo: Angie Richard.

*Note: though shooting in stereoscopic 180° requires our camera team to be close, the above image depicts the camera car and equipment much closer to the wild elephant than was the case in real life. Wildlife rangers and wildlife camera experts were engaged throughout this unique production.

Infusing Regenerative Principles into Immersive Storytelling

Moving into the future, I remain committed to both immersive story facilitation and advocating for greater access and co-creation. Bringing together a vast network of diverse creatives, technologists and community members, Anicca Media is poised to continue participating to stories that give rise to transformative behavioral change, enabling regenerative futures. I am leaning into VR stories and community-based shared immersive experiences that create opportunities for percipients to view the world from alternative perspectives rooted in planetary and societal wellbeing, principles of regenerative thinking.  

‘ecosphere’ takes viewers on immersive journeys to Kenya, Boreno and Raja Ampat, to explore community-managed conservation. Photo: PHORIA.

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In 2024, we're taking a bold step forward, blending over two decades of transmedia storytelling expertise with a progressive vision for regenerative futures. Join us as we craft innovative solutions for the immersive tech and media industries, aligning captivating storytelling with sustainable and regenerative practices to inspire lasting change. Explore our latest projects, or learn about Angie’s regenerative futures consulting.

Interested in collaborating? We’d love to hear from you, please fill out the form below and we’ll be in touch.

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Charting New Horizons: Anicca Media's Bold Direction for 2024

Charting New Horizons: Anicca Media's Bold Direction for 2024

As the calendar turns to 2024, it’s time to embrace new beginnings and transformative visions. At Anicca Media, we're thrilled to announce an exciting new direction for our journey in storytelling and positive impact. This year marks a significant pivot, as I blend over two decades of transmedia storytelling with regenerative futures research and consulting.

A Renewed Direction

Our passion for authentic, impactful narratives has always been at the heart of Anicca Media. This year, we're taking a bold leap forward by integrating our storytelling expertise with sustainable and regenerative practices. Our focus is on creating content that not only informs and entertains but also inspires action and fosters deep, meaningful connections with our planet.

Innovative solutions for the immersive tech and media industries are at the forefront of this agenda. We are exploring how virtual reality, interactive platforms, and other advanced mediums can bring stories to life in more engaging and impactful ways. The mission is to create experiences that immerse audiences into the heart of each story, its characters - both human and non-human - making every narrative a journey of discovery and transformation.

Recent Projects

Our recent projects, like 'ecosphere' and ‘Sea of Islands', exemplify our commitment to this new direction. These narratives are not just stories but deeply immersive journeys that invite the audience to partake, feel, and engage. They are testaments to our vision of using storytelling as a tool for empathy, understanding, and action.

Regenerative Futures Consulting

This year, we are also excited to embrace a new venture, combining my extensive experience in transmedia storytelling with a passionate dive into regenerative futures research and consulting. This moves is a testament to a commitment in pioneering sustainable and regenerative solutions within the immersive tech and media industries.

A Glimpse into the Future

As we chart this new course, we're also nurturing a seed of an exciting project - the Floating Stories Lab, a regenerative sailboat studio. This exciting initiative, merging with my family’s adventure media platform Voyage Virage, is a fusion of passion and expertise, where we aim to voyage the world facilitating research, stories, and citizen science to effect better futures. setting sail to capture diverse, untold stories from across the globe.

The Floating Stories Lab is a regenerative sailboat studio by Anicca Media and Voyage Virage, poised to voyage the world facilitating research, stories, and citizen science to effect better futures.

Join Us on This Journey

We invite you to join us on this transformative journey. Whether through short films, documentaries, or interactive experiences, our stories are designed to be catalysts for change. Keep an eye on our blog and social media channels for updates, behind-the-scenes looks, and more information about the Floating Stories Lab.

Together, let's make 2024 a year of impactful stories, sustainable solutions, and regenerative futures. At Anicca Media, every story is an opportunity to inspire, educate, and mobilize.

We're just getting started, and the best is yet to come!

- Angie Richard (Davis)

Watch Sea of Islands in cinematic VR, now also available to view free on YouTube

Our VR documentary, Sea of Islands, produced with the United Nations Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (UN DPPA) and PHORIA, centers communities of the Pacific Islands as they share the challenges they already face from the global climate crisis.

Hear their stories in cinematic 360° VR, as they use cultural knowledge to adapt to increasing climate security challenges and safeguard their sacred relationship with the Pacific Ocean and their Sea of islands.

Directed by Joseph Purdam.

Written and Produced by Angie Richard (Anicca Media).

Executive Producer Trent Clews-de Castella.

Produced by the UNDPPA and PHORIA.

And of course there many more incredible folks involved or whom supported the project, without their effort this would not have been possible. Thank you to all.

Special Thanks to Dr Joeli Veitayaki.

APAC Kigali Summit Calls To Action For People And Nature

The first ever African Protected Areas Congress (APAC) in Kigali, Rwanda closes with strong calls to action for people and nature

I was delighted to remotely attend the first ever African Protected Areas Congress held last week in Kigali, Rwanda, which saw more than 2,400 participants join from across the continent and the rest of the world.

Under the theme “For People and Nature” the Congress identified priority actions to strengthen Africa’s protected and conserved areas in a manner that is just, equitable and fair. These actions include a strengthening of the rights of indigenous peoples and local communities, greater public and private financial investment in nature conservation and protected and conserved areas, and enhanced Pan-African collaboration, cooperation and partnership for protected and conserved area systems throughout the continent.

“Rwanda was proud to host the Africa Protected Areas Congress. We are glad it has been a success. We must put people at the centre of conservation if we are to achieve the goals we have set for ourselves and move to actions", said the Honourable Dr Jeanne D’Arc Mujawamariya, Minister of Environment of Rwanda.

“This inaugural IUCN Africa Protected Areas Congress has highlighted that Africa’s protected and conserved areas are vital for nature and biodiversity, but also for African peoples’ livelihoods and cultures”, said IUCN Director General Dr Bruno Oberle. “It has formed an unprecedented and diverse coalition that includes governments and civil society stakeholders such as youth, indigenous peoples and local communities as well as protected area directors and rangers to strengthen protection and conservation.”

“The Africa Protected Area Congress has further exhibited that the importance of conservation is non-negotiable. Therefore, we call upon all African governments to actualize their commitments to safeguard nature and actively engage with all relevant stakeholders in the creation of A-Pan African Conservation Trust that honours the strong statements within The Kigali Call to Action. Let us get to work.” said Kaddu Sebunya, CEO of African Wildlife Foundation.

During the opening plenary of the IUCN Africa Protected Areas Congress in Kigali, Rwanda, on 18 July 2022, Milka Chepkorir (Sengwer) delivered key messages from Indigenous Peoples and local communities who participated in a dedicated pre-Congress workshop.

During a closing plenary, representatives of youth and Indigenous Peoples groups delivered statements, followed by the formal adoption of the Kigali Call to Action and closing remarks by the co-conveners of the event, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the African Wildlife Foundation, and the Government of Rwanda.

Behind the scenes video from United Nations screenings of our new VR documentary Sea of Islands

The United Nations Department of Political and Peacekeeping Affairs called upon us to create a new VR documentary on climate security in the South Pacific. The film, Sea of Islands, is currently screening throughout the United Nations, enabling indigenous Fijian community perspectives on the impacts of climate change to be heard by UN member states and decision makers across the world.

The UNDPPA team put together this behind the scenes video from their screening sessions, giving us insight into how the film is being received and how specifically produced VR documentary content can be used to effect change.

Interviewees (in order of appearance):

Fred Sarufa, Permanent Mission of Papua New Guinea, Martin Waehlisch, UN DPPA Innovation Cell, Kimihiro Ishikane, Permanent Mission of Japan, Naoko Takahashi, UN DPPA Innovation Cell, Jeanett Vea, Permanent Mission of Tonga, Zoe Russell, Permanent Mission of New Zealand.

‘Sea of Islands’ is available to watch for free on the ecosphere VR app in Meta Quest VR headsets. Produced by UNDPPA with PHORIA, Anicca Media and Meta Quest.

Hot off the press! ecosphere, the award winning Virtual Reality Platform, releases new 360° documentary 'Sea of Islands' with the United Nations

Produced by PHORIA, Media Farm Studios and the United Nations Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (UN DPPA), ecosphere ‘United Nations: Futuring Peace’ brings audiences enriching stories about peacebuilding around the globe.

New York  — 15 June, 2022: ecosphere, the award winning documentary title from immersive technology studio PHORIA, and Meta Quest, will today release brand new 360° content in partnership with the United Nations. Since its initial launch in 2020, ecosphere has wowed Meta Quest users with intimate natural history films, produced with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), Anicca Media and Silverback Films. Now audiences will see ecosphere expand further into the social impact space, to become a hub for stories about humanity — and communities who are working together to overcome conflict, build peace and safeguard their way of life.

“Ecosphere started as a PHORIA produced series, bringing unreachable parts of nature to people with world-first VR camera technology,” emphasizes Samuel Tate Goudie, XR Director at PHORIA. “Since its launch, the application has found an audience of over half a million visitors. We see the development of the ecosphere platform as a way to bring immersive impact stories to a huge audience, but also to explore the way these stories are told. Immersive software allows for shared experience, interactivity, and presence that not only elevates the medium, but will come to define it.”

The ecosphere ‘United Nations: Futuring Peace’ series will include a series of special episodes, including Sea of Islands and Pathways Colombia. Musalem, which will take users on an immersive journey into Yemen, will be added soon.

Sea of Islands, Directed by Joseph Purdam, Written and Produced by Angie Richard (Anicca Media) and produced by PHORIA and UN DPPA, explores how Fijians are facing the consequences of climate change and building climate resilience for future generations.

For filmmaker Joseph Purdam, the Co-Founder and Experiential Director of PHORIA, Sea of Islands is a vital story about how cultural knowledge is helping locals adapt to the global climate crisis:

“Communities in the Pacific islands are under constant and growing threat from impacts of climate change. These stories, of Veidrala, Narikoso, Lekanai are inspiring case studies that we have the honor of witnessing and sharing. They demonstrate the power of indigenous knowledge to adapt to the challenges of a changing climate and their wisdom deserves to be recognized on a global stage.”

“Pathways Colombia is an immersive virtual reality experience about the peace process in Colombia,” explains Martin Waehlisch, Team Leader of the DPPA Innovation Cell. “Produced with Gusano Films, the VR experience illustrates achievements and obstacles in the reintegration and reconciliation process, while at the same time bringing to light persisting security challenges and resilience of all those committed to achieving sustainable peace in the country. We are excited that Pathways Colombia is added to the ecosphere platform, which will help the UN expand outreach to the growing VR community.”

“Virtual Reality is a crucial medium in our interdisciplinary ‘Futuring Peace’ efforts,” adds Naoko Takahashi Taymanov, Political Affairs Officer from the UN DPPA Innovation Cell. “We are keen to strengthen public engagement on UN issues such as climate change and peacebuilding. Ecosphere allows us to connect better and more easily with VR consumers, while sensitizing them for the United Nations global agenda.”

ecosphere ‘United Nations: Futuring Peace’ is available from June 15th. To download the series for free, visit the Oculus store or Oculus TV.

'Sea of Islands' Cinematic 360° Virtual Reality Experience on Climate Security in the South Pacific

I am truly excited about the upcoming release of Anicca’s latest collaboration, Sea of Islands, a cinematic 360° virtual reality experience that invites viewers to visit Pacific Islands already facing the impact of the climate crisis and meet local communities sharing their inspirational stories of resilience.

The VR documentary has been initially shared with United Nations members and will launch globally on June 15th.

Amb. Rabab Fatima thanked DPPA for developing Sea of Islands:

"The video shows us the breathtaking beauty of the Pacific Islands; but it also sadly shows us the grave risk that the Islands are facing and the need for urgent action."

Rabab Fatima (Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to UN, New York; PR to ISBA; Chair, Peacebuilding Commission; President, UN-Women Executive Board; Envoy to Peru, Jamaica) viewing Sea of Islands. Credit: Twitter/@UNPeacebuilding

United Nations Peacebuilding Commission is committed to explore avenues to support regional, national & local initiatives to mitigate the security implications & other impacts of Climate Change in the Pacific Islands. Credit: Twitter/@BangladeshUN1

Credit: Twitter/@JapanMissionUN

Credit: Twitter/@JapanMissionUN

Sea of Islands is produced by PHORIA and the United Nations Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (UN DPPA), with Anicca Media.

Ecosphere's 'Kenya' selected as a finalist at Jackson Wild, The Oscars of Natural History

Humbled to have our ecosphere ‘Kenya’ episode selected as a finalist for Best 360 and Virtual Reality Storytelling in Jackson Wild Festival, the Oscars of Natural History.

'Kenya' champions the restoration of East Africa's wild spaces, so that elephants can roam freely and forge a positive future for the entire ecosystem.

A very special shoutout to our conservation partners who feature in this ecosphere episode 'Kenya':

WWF Kenya

Save The Elephants

Reteti Elephant Sanctuary

Download ecosphere: ocul.us/2Ue2n58

Jackson Wild finalists: https://bit.ly/jackson-wild

Ecosphere launches globally on Oculus Quest and GO for World Ocean's Day

ecosphere, a groundbreaking VR nature series produced in partnership by Phoria, WWF, Oculus, Silverback Films, Anicca Media and XM2, is now available to download on Oculus Quest and GO. Highlighting indigenous champions on the frontline of conservation around the world in ground-breaking cinematic VR 180, ecosphere is a landmark natural history series and Anicca Media couldn’t be more thrilled to join our partners in bringing it to the world in headset today on World Ocean’s Day.

From Venture Beat:

“Shot with pre-production 180-degree 3D cameras based on Z-Cam’s E2, Ecosphere is a technology showcase for next-generation immersive videos, pushing the state of the art for consumer VR experiences. Phoria notes that the videos feature the world’s first 5.7K stereoscopic VR footage at 60 frames per second, delivering high levels of detail and 3D depth at a nausea-reducing level of smoothness. Highly demanding scenes that would normally be destroyed by visual artifacts, such as the movements of schools of fish and shimmers in coral reefs, are rendered almost perfectly in Ecosphere — a major achievement for any app, let alone one that can be enjoyed for free.”

Director Joseph Purdam on the tools filming ecosphere’s Raja Ampat episode.

Discover More: phoria.com.au/projects/ecosphere

Download for Quest & Go:
Quest: oculus.com/experiences/quest/2926036530794417
Go: oculus.com/experiences/go/2856269307784398/

Ecosphere VR - This Is Wildlife Documentary Filmmaking Like You've Never Seen It Before

1 June, 2020: PHORIA, an award-winning technology studio, today announced the worldwide online release of ecosphere, a groundbreaking Virtual Reality nature documentary series produced in partnership with Facebook’s Oculus, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and Silverback Films. The series is narrated by Emmy Award-winning actress and WWF Ambassador, Anna Friel, and will be available to experience on Oculus Quest and Oculus Go VR headsets from June 8, 2020, via the ecosphere app.

ecosphere is an ambitious VR experience that immerses viewers in the wildest places on earth. The series features never-before-seen cinematic 5.7k stereoscopic VR footage at 60fps, shot with the latest pre-production 3D-180 cameras. Custom VR stabilising technology allowed filming to take place in incredibly technically challenging environments — from the air and deep into the ocean.

ecosphere gently guides viewers through some of nature’s most fragile and diverse ecosystems, highlighting indigenous and community-led efforts to protect our most precious wildlife. With an emotive original musical score, the series transports viewers into our extraordinary world — to the great savannahs of Kenya (Africa), the ancient jungles of Borneo (Malaysia) and the rich coral reefs of Raja Ampat (Indonesia).

Evocative storytelling takes place across ecosphere’s three episodes, as local communities come together to help nature recover from the impact of modern human life. The series focuses on uplifting and inspiring viewers, bringing home the idea that when human beings create space for nature, humanity and nature thrive together.

The ecosphere team is led by award-winning international filmmakers Joseph Purdam (PHORIA), Angie Davis (Anicca Media), Daniel Huertas (Silverback Films), Eric Cheng (Oculus) and Colin Butfield (WWF).

“ecosphere sets a new standard for natural-history storytelling on the Oculus platform,” said Eric Cheng, Head of Immersive Media for Facebook’s Oculus. “High-resolution, high-frame-rate 3D-180 stories are combined with thoughtful spatial audio production to create one of the most compelling immersive video experiences we’ve seen.”

“ecosphere takes natural history production to a new level,” said Daniel Huertas, Silverback Films. “VR gives viewers a rare chance to immerse themselves in someone else’s story, in their hope for a positive future.”

“This is wildlife documentary filmmaking like you’ve never seen it,” said Angie Davis, Anicca Media. “The synergy of our planet comes to life before your eyes as you’re right there in the midst of it. An unforgettable experience.”

“WWF couldn’t be more proud of this team,” said Colin Butfield, WWF. “The uplifting messages of ecosphere are important to hear now, as people come together during these challenging times. ecosphere is truly an experience to inform, empower and most of all, inspire action to protect our precious planet.”

“ecosphere will open the hearts of viewers to the beauty of the natural world,” said Joseph Purdam, PHORIA. “These diverse stories and voices are on the frontline of community-led environmental activism. It’s a privilege that ecosphere can help raise awareness for rewilding efforts and reveal just how nature and humanity can co-exist together, in harmony.”

Coming June 8th: https://www.phoria.com.au/projects/ecosphere/

Book Launch! Postcards from Tomorrow: A Collection of Letters From Inspirational Women to Their 21 Year Old Selves

What an honour to have contributed a letter to my 21-year-old self in Kim Chandler McDonald’s phenomenal new release, Postcards From Tomorrow: A collection of Letters From Inspirational Women to Their 21 Year Old Selves.

About the book:

A collection of more than 270 heartfelt letters, encompassing hilarity and heartbreak, insight and inspiration from an amazing array of women of influence and integrity writing to their younger selves. There are letters from women who are ‘household names’ as well as from women you will be introduced to, within its pages, for the first time.  There are Australian and international luminaries from the worlds of comedy, theatre, TV and dance;  you’ll meet adventurers and Olympic champions, broadcasters and journalists, activists and philanthropists, politicians, business leaders, innovators and instigators.

Contributors include: Amanda Brown, Amantha Imber, Andrea Durbach, Angela Bogdan, Angie Davis, Ann Reinking, Anne Aly, Anne Dunn, Anne MacPherson, Anne Summers, Annie Maynard, Anntonette Daily, Antoinette Braybrook, Antoinette Gambotto-Burke; Beate Chelette, Beatie Wolfe, Bernadette Black; Carla Zampatti, Carol Fox, Catherine Ball, Catherine Fox, Catharine Lumby, Cathrin Blickling, Cathy Pearl, Céline Schillinger, Charlotte Wood, Chrissy Sharp, Claudia Karvan, Collette Dinnigan; Darcey Bussell, Deanne Weir, Debbie Forster, Deborah Thomas, Div Pillay, Domini Marshall, Donella Freeman; Eliane Miles, Elizabeth Anne MacGregor, Emma Gierschick, Emma Macdonald, Emma-Jane Newton; Fiori Giovanni, Frances Rush; Gabrielle Dolan, Genevieve Clay-Smith; Ingrid Giles, Iris Lapinski, Isabella Cowan; Jacinta Tynan, Jacqueline Arias, Jacquie O’Brien, Jamila Rizvi, Jan Logan, Jane Alver, Jane Caro, Janelle Weissman, Jannette Cotterell, Jenine Beekhuyzen, Jennifer Hansen, Jennifer Wittwer, Jill Christman, Jillian Broadbent, Jo Mikleus, Joan Westenberg, Joynicole Martinez, Julia Hasche, Julie Bishop, Julie Trell, Juliet Rieden; Karen Glass, Karen Lawson, Karen Moses, Karen Mundine, Karima Mariama-Arthur, Karla Grant, Kasia Gospos, Katarina Carroll, Kate Cherry, Kate McClymont, Kate Warner, Kathy Lette, Katie Sarah, Katrina Irawati Graham, Kavita Singh Kale, Kellie Hush, Kelly Hoey, Kerri Sackville, Kerry Tucker, Kim McKay, Kiran Grewel, Kirstin Ferguson, Kirsten Galliott, Kylie Grey; Layne Beachley, Leanne De Souza, Leigh Russell, Linda Hurley, Linda Jaivin, Lisa Annese, Lisa Backhouse, Lisa Camillo, Lisa Forrest, Lisa Shamseldin, Lise Lapointe, Liz Deep-Jones, Louise Chappell, Louise Herron, Lucy Bloom, Lucy Keeler, Lyn Swinburne, Lynn Melnick; Madeleine Grummet, Maeve O’Meara, Margaret Beazley, Margaret Magdesian, Margie Warrell, Mariana Go, Mariana Rudan, Marion (Maz) Farrelly, Marisa Purcell, Matina Jewell, Mehreen Faruqi, Melanie Raymond, Melissa Griffiths, Melissa Sterry, Michelle Lee, Michelle Redfern; Naomi Simson, Nicole Alexander; Olivia Rousset, Olivia Ruello, Oprah Winfrey; Peggy Giakoumelos, Poppy Jaman, Prue Gilbert; Ranya Alkadamani, Rebecca Poulson, Renee Car, Rhoda Roberts, Robyn Foyster, Rochelle Courtenay, Roz Savage, Ruby Zefo, Ruth Fingret; Sally Capp, Sally Loane, Sally Patten, Sam, Squiers, Sam Turner, Sandra D’Souza, Sandra Yates, Sarah Davis, Sarah Grace Worboys, Sarah Moran, Sarah Wilson, Sarrah Le Marquand, Shaan Ross-Smith, Sharesz T. Wilkinson, Sharon Hunneybell, Sheree Rubinstein, Shirley Chowdhary, Simmone Logue, Skye Leckie, Sofie Laguna, Sue Packer, Sue Woodward, Susan Oliver, Susan Scrupski, Susan Wynne, Suzi Finkelstein, Suzy Miller, Sybil Steele; Tammy Barton, Tanya Denning Orman, Tanya Diesel, Tanya Jackson-Vaughan, Tarla Lambert, Tasneem Chopra, Teara Fraser, Theda Davids-Muller, Tina Tower; Vanessa Fowler, Vicki Saunders, Vivienne Skinner; Wendy Stops; Yael Eisenstat, Yasmine Khater; Zoe Cunningham.

The book is available now on AMAZON, with all proceeds going to Lou’s Place, Sydney’s 1 daytime drop-in women’s refuge.

The Laps Tasmania French tour 2020

We are delighted to be kicking off 2020 with a series of special cinema screenings of The Laps Tasmania with Surf Nights across France.

French tour 2020:

► Projection-The Laps Tasmania-Bordeaux at Les Chantiers de la Garonne-Saturday January 11th at 19 pm
https://www.facebook.com/events/968963766790391/

► The LAPS Tasmania, Le Grand Rex, Paris-Wednesday, January 22 at 20 pm
https://www.facebook.com/events/448880985809299/

► The LAPS Tasmania, Le Royal, Biarritz-Friday January 31th at 20 pm
https://www.facebook.com/events/2268275816802867/

*Director Angie Davis will be present at the Bordeaux screening for a special Q&A.

The Laps Tasmania wins Best Documentary at PAMA 2019

The day before I flew out to Africa, I was up in Paris receiving our award for Best Documentary for The Laps Tasmania at the Paris Art and Movie Awards.

As the universe would have it, it was also the day of the global student climate strikes, and a day when Greta made some of her most powerful statements to date.

I dedicated this award to Greta and all the students out there doing what so many adults are not brave enough to do: push our leaders to take immediate action on climate change.

I believe the reason The Laps is getting so much attention and acclaim this year is that the film is a reminder to all of us that in order to rewild the planet, we need to rewild ourselves. Living simply, in tune with nature and in harmony with all life on Earth is fun and fulfilling, and most importantly, necessary.

The good news is it looks like people out there want to see more Laps. We're working on broadcast deals and funding to make you all a global series.

We don't need a lot to be happy, and as the characters in the film show clearly, helping others and nature are the most fulfilling actions of all.

Watch The Laps Tasmania on iTunes, Amazon Prime Video, VOD, and Garage Films.

Best Documentary Nomination - Paris Art and Movie Awards

It is with great excitement to have received news that The Laps Tasmania, directed by Angie Davis with Dustin Hollick, has been nominated for Best Documentary at the Paris Art and Movie Awards. The documentary has now been upgraded to FINALIST, in the top 3 of judging landing it a dedicated screening at the awards, which will also be its European premiere ahead of an intended screening tour of France with Surf Nights later in 2019.

The Laps Tasmania

Synopsis:

How can we consume less? Live our dreams? Meet new friends? Adventure more? And have a bloody good time doing it? 'The Lap of Tasmania' is a documentary, following Dustin Hollick and Rhian Slapp, two ordinary fathers with the survival skills of well-trained house pets, on a two-week journey around Tasmania with not much more than the clothes on their backs. The rules are simple: No cash, no car, no technology and just 10 personal items each. These scruffy surfers from the East Coast of Australia leave home to learn the secrets of a well-balanced life and aim to get back a connection with nature that has been lost with the advent of modern convenience. They re-connect with nature but it is the goodwill and generosity of the quirky humans that inhabit this remote island that make their journey and survival possible.