A West Auckland film-maker's story is likely to shake up viewers' ideas on Africa. Sharu Delilkan explains
In the 10 months since Robin Kewell moved to Glen Eden, he's wasted no time making his mark in the community.
Kewell is preparing to share his experiences in Eritrea with audiences at Titirangi's Lopdell
House. Journey through Eritrea is the third in his series of short films on one of the world's most troubled, and apparently forgotten, countries. Kewell shows its incredibly varied landscape and its people, who've been at war with Ethiopia for 30 years.
Originally from Cornwall, Kewell says making films was the furthest thing from his mind when he was growing up.
"When I was young I used to go to the cinema three times every weekend but it never occurred to me to go to film school."
The former silversmith, who sold his 15-year old business after shooting sports action for the BBC Ski Company, says, "I realised I was becoming just another shopkeeper so I decided to go with my heart."
Kewel says the opportunity to shoot his first film came about by accident. "The cameraman was late so, instead of missing all the action, I decided to shoot it. I ended up winning an award. Suddenly, I realised this was what I wanted to do." Having swum with sharks and had machetes and guns pointed at him, Kewell is no longer prepared to risk life and limb now that he has a family.
"I'm bloody lucky to have got here and am not going to do anything silly now that I have kids."
He says he holds experiences like traveling through Eritrea dear to his heart and his main aim is to share the experiences he had there with other people.
"It was a big eye-opener sitting with people like the Eritreans, who have nothing, and realising that they have far more than we have. There's a sort of peace and calmness about them that none of us in this materialistic world has."
Journey Through Eritrea, Lopdell House, Oct 18, 7.30pm. Tickets: ph 817 8087. Bookings essential.
