La Fiesta! this year marks six years of celebrating women in Whanganui, and is also a super celebration of International Women's Day which turns 104 this year. March 8 is a national holiday in more than 25 countries and is officially sanctioned by the United Nations as a day to
inspire change.
Also inspiring change is a documentary screening as part of La Fiesta, Soul of the Sea.
South Georgia Island stands alone in the path of relentless storms and high winds in the South Atlantic Ocean. It's the final resting place of famed English explorer Ernest Shackleton - and a place where the savage beauty has captivated wilderness guide and expedition leader, Hayley Shephard for more than 10 years. Soul of the Sea follows Hayley pursuing her dream to complete the first solo kayak around South Georgia, in crashing waves and treacherous seas to raise awareness of an endangered seabird - the albatross. A story of solitary endurance, passion and survival, the documentary is an intimate look at one woman's quest to find her place in the world. Shot against the dramatic backdrop of rugged peaks and stunning glaciers, trumpeting penguins and an abundance of wildlife, Soul of the Sea examines what exploration means today and why bearing witness in extreme places is vital to our world.
Born in New Zealand and now living on northern Vancouver Island where she works as a naturalist guide and adventurer, Hayley Shephard has led wilderness expeditions around the world. From Antarctica to the Arctic and throughout the Pacific Northwest, introducing people to our natural and wild environment is Hayley's passion.
Once a teacher in the classroom, then a teacher of the outdoors, Hayley now spends the majority of her time on the ocean, sharing the company of whales, bears and penguins. When she is not driving boats or guiding trips, her free time consists of solo journeys across the South American mountains by bicycle, sailing adventures in polar waters and volunteering as a whale research assistant.
In addition to the most recent South Georgia kayak expedition, Hayley has also kayaked alone around Vancouver Island and Haida Gwaii (British Columbia). Following these expeditions she has entertained and inspired audiences with her stunning images and lively story-telling. As a writer and photographer, her work has been published in a variety of magazines and her book, South Solo: Kayaking to Save the Albatross, is now on the shelves while Soul of the Sea is on the film festival circuit.
SOUL OF THE SEA
When: Saturday, March 7, 7pm, as part of the La Fiesta! events programme Where: The Davis Theatre, Whanganui Regional Museum Cost: $5. Inquiries: Carla Donson, the Women's Network, phone 345 6833 or email womnet.wang@callplus.net.nz