Is there a particular video, film, campaign or filmmaker that had a major influence on your career?
Yes, the master, Federico Fellini.
What motivated you to make your virtual reality project?
The idea of create a 360/ journalist reporter of this tragedy and for the history.
Please tell us what camera(s) you shot with primarily – and any other special equipment that you used and why you used it.
A rig with 6 GoPro and a Zoom Recorder
Please tell us about any special styles or techniques that you used during the production of your virtual reality video to help tell your story.
I guess the same that everybody uses, trying to find good pictures in the middle of the chaos.
How did your story evolve from day one, to the very last day in post? Is your story what you thought it would be?
We arrived with few ideas, but when we saw what was going on there, its change the all plan. Reality outdoes fiction.
Please describe the most rewarding experience you had while making this virtual reality video.
When one of the refugees stick to me after to jump in the water. There I understood that something simple like a hug is all the help that he needed at this moment. So I understood that everybody can help in this crisis, from a simple hug till providing medicine, or a bed to sleep.
What advice can you give to other impact filmmakers?
Look around before you turn off the camera, there is always something happening.
What’s your favorite part about the filmmaking process and why?
Editing. Because there is the magic. Is the moment where you see born the soul of the film.
What’s the one item you always take with you when working out in the field and why?
My watch.
Please provide a brief description of the work or organization featured in your video:
Well, was very simple, me and a journalist. A backpack with a camera, tripod, computer , batteries, audio recorder, and a lot of passion 🙂
What have you learned about the value and impact of the project?
That today many people is still thinking that the refugees are “potential” terrorists. This is pure ignorance, that is provide from the manipulation of the media and the European government.
Please share a personal story about your experience making this virtual reality video.
One of the boats were for 4h in the middle of the sea. It was really cold, windy and the engine was broken, so the boat sinking, overload, with children, women, men…. After 4h finally the rescue boat of the Greek police came to help. When they arrived I was expecting people crying, and scenes of panic and pain. Was a deep silence. In the eyes of the people you could see that they was “dead”, they didn’t expect to be alive and in another side, all the media covering with the cameras, as if it were the Oscar ceremony.
What do you want audiences to take away from this video?
Just think about for 10min, that thus tragedy is happening today and not many people are helping.
Please list key points that should be covered in a post-screening discussion:
1- Governments and political responsibilities of this tragedy.
2- What we are doing to help, (is very easy to help).
3- Why the governments give total freedom to the “mafia” make money with the refugees. (2.000$ per person/ more than 1.000 person per day)
4- Are we “well informed” about this tragedy ?
Please provide information on any recent developments regarding the issue or subjects of the video. How have things changed or not changed?
Nothing. Getting worse. The”door entrance” from Greece is closed because Europe paid 6 billion to Turkey “to take care of the refugees”. So now , in the winter, the refugees are moving for the route of Egypt, Libya and crossing the Mediterranean sea from Argelia till Lampedusa (Italy) what is making bigger this tragedy and the number of dead people is just ground up every single day
What opportunities are available for those interested in getting further involved?
If the question is about to help in this crisis, the answer is many opportunities. NGO need money, volunteers, in the refugees camp the children’s need basic food, let don’t forget that is the bigger exodus after the WW II.
Please provide any additional resources (websites, links to additional videos, forms, articles, etc.) relevant to the context of the issue discussed in your video:
There is a lot of information about this human tragedy, but here are some links and a short documentary about what is happening now in the route of Argekia _Lampedusa.
The Guardian: Refugees in Greece face freezing winter conditions – video
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