Update: Kasha’s Global Documentary Takes Shape, Part II

Last year we introduced you to then-15-year-old filmmaker Kasha Slavner and her journey to document global citizenship. In case you missed it, check out her latest video. After six months on the road, Kasha is now home and aiming to screen her film when the UN Assembly reconvenes in New York. We caught up with this inspiring teen about how her recent journey and new documentary.

Last year you completed a global journey with your mom, capturing hope and resilience with your video camera in communities around the world. What impact do you hope your film may have?

My main goal with this film and project is to inspire people. I hope it will spark people to open their minds and hearts to the rest of the world and to the struggles people face. More importantly, I also want these stories of triumph over the issues to get people to take action in whatever way they can in their own lives and in their own communities. I want the takeaway to be that change is attainable and we all have to be involved. I want to raise funds for some of the projects I visited through screenings of the film and the sale of my photography, so the organizations can continue to do their incredible, tireless work.

What did you learn about the world, people and in humanity in general?

I learned about open mindedness. When visiting other cultures, I found it important to be sensitive to their traditions. Some may seem odd or ‘backwards’ if we look at them through an ethnocentric, North American lens, but I learned about the beauty of diversity in other cultures. I also realized that if we want to advance in the world and make a positive change, everyone has to partake in his or her own communities. Often times, we think that one blanket solution fits all, but I learned that everyone is on a different level and to make change, we must accommodate the range of viewpoints and traditions.

Who or what experience was the most memorable for you on this trip? Did you have an ah-ha moment?

There wasn’t one ah-ha moment, per se. I had many moments that inspired me in different ways, weather learning something new, hearing from incredible people about their triumph, or personally developing my skills and confidence. Since I’ve been home, I have been constantly thinking about little things that left imprints on me from the trip, especially now that the film is in production and I’m watching the interviews I have filmed. Even around my city, I’ll see restaurants with names I recognize from my travels, or people who remind me of others I met in my travels. Little things spark big memories for me.

You celebrated your sweet 16th at 35,000 feet in the air when you set-off on this journey. How have these experiences helped you grow personally?

I have grown in so many ways through this trip. Firstly, I am normally quite a shy person. I remember the first Travel Massive meet-up in Toronto when I was thrown on stage to talk about my project – nearly fatal being up in front of all those ‘strangers’ – I know. Since then I’ve been able to build my confidence by travelling new lands, speaking new languages, meeting new people and overcoming my fears. Secondly, by experiencing other cultures, and being exposed to many different belief systems and ways of living, I have become a more understanding, open-minded and appreciative person. Finally, I have been able to improve my editing, public speaking, interview and navigational skills (I’ve become quite handy with maps written in Swahili).

What was it like travelling with your mom for six months?

My mom and I are best friends and close to begin with so I found it fairly easy, if not more rewarding, because we became even closer through this experience. I got to see another side of her that I hadn’t known – she’s a traveller at heart and really good at embracing other cultures. She taught me a lot about getting over my fears and becoming more confident to try new things and to discover who I am. On the trip we made up for what each other lacked. She encouraged me to explore and not be afraid of new surroundings. She showed me the importance of keeping my heart open and reaching out and connecting with people. She was a really fun and inspiring travel buddy.

Did you have any challenging times during your travels that you weren’t expecting? 

Most of the trip was smooth sailing besides the power and water outages or slow or non-existent internet at times. Although we did get quite stressed one time when we were dropped off at the South African/Mozambican border. It was around 4 pm. An acquaintance had arranged for an elderly couple to take us into Maputo where we would be staying. It turned out the locals and visitors had different border crossing line-ups. Ours was going to be a three hour wait. The couple decided not to hang around and they dumped our bags on us at the border with no way to get into the city. The last bus had already left . The sun was beginning to set and we were feeling quite uneasy about how we’d find our way. Our luck turned and we found a nice couple with two small children also heading in the same direction. They were happy to give us a ride in the back of their pick-up truck since there was no room in the truck itself for us. Sitting in the back, on our way, with the wind flying through our hair and the sun saying goodbye for the night, was one of the most satisfying moments after one of the most hectic experiences on our trip.

What next? Do you have any upcoming plans?

Since I’m already going back for a half year to complete my grade 12, My mom and I have been talking about the possibility of taking another term off school next spring 2016 to travel and make mini-documentaries about organizations and individuals in the same spirit as the feature film. It would just mean I’ve taken my gap year ahead of time and would spend what would have normally have been my gap year doing a victory lap instead. In the meantime, I’m continuing to work on my film and tour my exhibition that I have currently on in New York City. I’m also continuing to write and publish articles so hopefully there will be some interesting shorter trips coming up as well.

Can you let us in on the film details – when or where can we catch you in action?

I’m working on weekends right now and throughout the summer to have the film completed by the middle of September. Ideally I’d like it to be ready so I can screen it when the UN Assembly reconvenes in New York regarding the Millennial Development Goals. The Toronto International Film Festival is also in September and if everything works out, I hope to have a parallel fundraising event to screen the film.