06 May INTERVIEW WITH Wood on Water’s FILMMAKER, HANNAH MAIA
Q: In a nutshell what’s the story you are trying to tell? What’s the film about?
A: It’s a coming of age documentary and like most coming of age stories, it’s about whimsical chats and falling in love for the first time…but in this story we see what it is for young women to encounter and fall in love with their own strength and resilience, with their ‘girl-tribe’, and with the direct encounter of wild places. Or to say it even more concisely, it’s a documentary about teenage exploration, finding a strong sisterhood and navigating a place in the world.
Q: How did you find out about this story?
A: Last year I received an email I received out of the blue from a lady called Max. We had never met before, but Max had seen my previous film My Big White Thighs & Me and wanted to tell me about a magical place to see if it would peak my interest in terms of making another film. And so began our conversation where I was introduced to things I’d never heard of before and which built up a most wondrous picture in my mind. A place where ‘Pocket Bacon’ and ‘Goo Balls’ existed, where you would find slippy ‘Monster Rocks’ and ‘Birthday Trees’. A place that could send you utterly ‘Bush Honkers’ crazy or set your soul on fire. Needless to say I was intrigued.
Q: Why tell this story?
A: Above all else, I get excited when I hear stories about average women doing extraordinary things and I think it’s good to use my voice as a woman to tell stories about other women. I also really believe in the exceptional experience these teenagers girls will have this summer.
Q: What interests you as a filmmaker in the story of young women canoe tripping?
A: My overarching belief that when women meet in the wilderness, and teenage girls in particular, get the chance to explore their physical surroundings – and their inner selves – free from mainstream society’s expectations, precious moments of palpable, uninhibited joy and self-worth can be found.
Q: And why this story? Why now?
A: We’ve all been teenagers but what’s it like to be a teenager today? Technology can be brilliant but I honestly feel quite lucky that I didn’t have to grow up in this tech era where having the whole world right there in your pocket every hour of every day is normal. I sometimes feel bombarded by it all so I can only imagine what it must be like as a teenager. It must create turmoil in some adolescent girls – that feeling of always having to be available. Replying, checking in and sharing. New research in the UK found that the number of young people who say they do not believe that life is worth living has doubled in the last decade, amid a sense of overwhelming pressure from social media which is driving feelings of inadequacy. That’s gut wrenching to hear. So spending a summer away from this form of communication seems like it could be a particularly valuable experience today and one I want to share.
Q: Summarize if you can for me, what you are hoping to do through the film?
A: I believe that the stories we tell reflect who we are and the world we want to live in, so as a filmmaker, I want to tell a positive story and one which shines a light on the alternative options open to young women today. My approach is honest, upfront and authentic with a hint of humour; so it’s in this style that I’ll consider how the things which don’t come easy, or are perhaps strenuous and exhausting, are often the most rewarding. I’m also excited to discover more about the the deep tradition of canoe tripping and how the values of a hundred and twenty-six years can stay relevant and beneficial to teenage girls of 2019.
Q: What are the next steps, and what’s happened so far?
A: I was out on the women’s alumni trip last summer for 9 days as part of my research and since then I’ve been to New York to interview Alex, one of the teenagers on this summers trip. I also made it to Salmon Falls Canoe to watch and film Emily and Dylan craft beautiful wood-canvas canoes. The films producer, Max Christopher (the lady who first emailed me out of the blue last year), and myself are also in the process of raising the funds needed to make this film a reality. Assuming we make our Kickstarter goal – which is still a big nerve wrecking IF at the moment – I will be heading out in June to set off with the girls as they start their trip.
Q: How can we get involved or keep track of your progress?
A: Firstly please consider donating to our crowd funding campaign because without that we wont be able to make the film. Also sign up for email updates here on our website. Follow us at facebook.com/woodonwaterfilm or using the hashtag #tumpersandtrippers and @maiamedia on instagram. You could also email me directly at hannah@maiamedia.co.uk
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