Inspiring stories by Real Life Writer Sharyn Smart
Our Green Roadie – Emma and Connor Heke’s road trip
Emma’s motto: “A little film team making big films. Being the change we want to see in the World.”
Already living an environmentally aware lifestyle inspired Nelson film maker Emma Heke to set out on a quest to live “better not faster”. Her first step was to attend an eco-film night which left her feeling hopeless when only six other people attended.
“Then and there I decided to make a film that celebrated the positive steps that people in NZ are taking on their journeys to become more environmentally aware. I wanted to create something that the everyday person could relate to and be inspired by. It was crucial to find very ‘ordinary people’ who made decisions to do things extra-ordinary in their businesses and lifestyles.”
Eco Adventure : Film-makers Emma Heke and her son Connor,7, showcase eco-conscious New Zealanders in the feature-length documentary “Our Green Roadie”. Photo : Supplied.
A chance viewing of the film Our Green Roadie inspired Louise Henderson to organise a community screening fundraiser in New Plymouth last week.
“I saw it as an awesome opportunity to showcase Emma Heke’s positive environmental documentary as well as a chance to raise some money for Topec to build a vege garden and composting station,” said the TSB Topec instructor who first saw the film while visiting Timaru.
About 30 people attended the evening at Topec’s Eco lodge with ticket proceeds going to Red Heke Productions to help fund more eco-friendly adventures, while pizza sales went to Topec’s garden project.
A Nelson filmmaker Ms Heke and her son Connor, 7, shot the film as they spent six months travelling from Riverton to Northland showcasing people’s kiwi can do attitude.
The idea came about when Ms Heke started out on a quest to live “better not faster” and was dismayed at the lack of information available to help her.
“I decided that if we needed inspiration ourselves, there was a good chance that there were people out there also needing it, so the idea grew from there,” said Ms Heke.
She spent eight weeks in the winter of 2011 researching her new life style as she planned their itinerary.
Ms Heke rented out her house and lived on a self-funded budget of $200 per week which included diesel, accommodation, food and internet access.
She bought a “people mover” loaded up their possessions and hit the road in September 2011.
Along the way they met and heard stories from many people that have eco-conscious and economically viable businesses and lifestyles, and recorded their adventures for the film Our Green Roadie.
Ms Heke and Connor were supplied with Ecostore products to give as gifts to people they filmed or stayed with on their journey.
Inspiring stories by Real Life Writer Sharyn Smart