Things are looking up for me upon returning to Utah. Who knew that a little time abroad could up my desireability? I have quite a few job prospects open to me; some paying, some simply a chance to make a good impression. Hopefully I can keep myself occupied this winter on film projects that will pay well enough to fund more travels in the spring.
Pending some more planning, I am hoping to take an offer from my aunt Peni, who currently lives and works in Oman. I am hoping to make a documentary about dogs in Islamic culture, specifically the packs of feral dogs who live on the streets in the cities. I have been interested in hybrid documentaries that address issues between nature and culture. For example, the effects of an assortment of bio-invasive species, and their impacts on the residents of Guam, in the south pacific. this is another intriguing situation: the correlation between the wide-spread existence of these dangerous dog packs, and the religious perceptions of Muslims.
After Oman, I intend to go to Nepal and make a documentary about exiled Tibetan monks, whilst simultaneously living with them in a monastery. Probably sounds more than a little cliché, but these are things that fascinate me, and I believe they will prove to improve my understanding of different cultures, as well as my resume. If, as a result of taking advantage of the offers and opportunities I have recieved, I am able to further my personal and professional accomplishments, I will not regret it later. If you've been reading my blog, you may try to remind me of my close call in Panama. However, I choose not to simplify that event as an act of hatered or jealousy. Desperation may play a role, and certainly ignorance and selfishness (albeit in the form of survival tactics).
From what I have witnessed here, there is no 'Laziness' to which poverty can be attributed; people work their fingers to the bone just to maintain the vaguest semblance of a 'life'. Perhaps justifiably, they see "Gringos" as priveledged, if not completely spoiled, ignorant and incompassionate. I think this perception fades with awareness and familiarity, which doesn't happen in an 'us vs. them' state of mind. My goals as a filmmaker, and a student of world culture, are to break the status quo, and encourage a 'we' attitude and understanding of those around us, and around the world. There are too many people in the world today whose perceptions of others are skewed by the ignorant ideology that some are more entitled to a decent existance than others. This is prejudice, and it is perhaps represented by all parties; ignorance begets prejudice, willful ignorance is a double offense.
/rant.
Wish me luck.
And thank you to my new-found friend Michelle, for helping me be proactive.
:-)
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