We're All In This Together, Even If We're Not All In Africa
BY GINA PUMA, MESA, ARIZONA, USA - I am working on this project as Associate Producer through Cyndi Greening’s vision to make a difference in the world. I think most of us are a part of this project because Cyndi asked us to help her make the world a better place, not just for the people of Zambia but for all who will view this project and give their blood, sweat and tears to make it happen. In our many conversations about this endeavor, Cyndi has shared her altruistic intensions of teaching the people of Zambia to make films and teaching her MCC film students about life outside of the classroom. Thank you, Cyndi, for expressing confidence in all who are involved and for having the stamina to run with this. You are going to need to use those broad shoulders of yours to see this through. Your strength will help us all endure.
Then there is Jabbes. What a courageous man. I think there are two things that can happen when you encounter such a tragedy in life as losing your son; you can bury yourself along with your child and never find your way out of that hole -- or -- through his death you can make his life mean something. Thank you, Jabbes, for sharing your story and your precious little boy with us. Jabbes, Jr. has touched the lives of so many already and this is only just the beginning. This little boy has big plans for all of us. Thank you, Jabbes, Jr. We ask that you guide us and guard us. You are our inspiration.
I am not traveling with the crew to Africa, but I am still very much a part of this journey. Let’s just say that my idea of “roughing it” is staying at a Holiday Inn instead of the Ritz. I really can’t picture myself sleeping in a tent, under a mosquito net, in the Bush, just inches away from being some lion’s dinner. The members of the crew, who know me well, don’t want to hear me whine the whole time about not being able to pee in a bathroom, among other things.
Besides, someone needs to stay stateside and keep things running on this end. I am working on the preproduction tasks. There is so much that needs to be done and so little time to do it in. We are looking for more money to increase the quality of the project and to bring more people on board. Setting up the proposals is so important and I think it is what creative people hate to do most. Planning is the key to success so we need to get as much done before the crew even boards the plane to Africa. These next few weeks are going to be extremely busy. Thank you, to my family, John and Eric, for supporting me and not complaining, too much, when I am not available for them. I am looking forward to the propulsion of this mission and to participating in this amazing voyage.