TANZANIA: A FRIENDSHIP JOURNEY (coming 2012)
A Feature Documentary
Short Synopsis:
After nine long years in the USA furthering his education Venance, a scientist/philosopher, is traveling home to Tanzania with Kristen, his close American friend, from a vastly differing background. As Venance leads Kristen through his native countryside, they experience the ancient culture, the present-day poverty, and, incredibly, the eternal and inspiring spirituality of his motherland. While Ven struggles to blend his newly learned western philosophy with that of tribal life Kristen experiences a life-changing transformation by observing first-hand the daily struggle to survive for many living on the continent. It is a dramatic, emotional, visually stunning odyssey that challenges and changes our protagonists forever.
Trailer on youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rw3-XkcuDg
Malaika For Life:
As a result of her experience on Tanzania: A Friendship Journey Kristen started the foundation, Malaika For Life, which has already saved more than 20,000 Tanzanian lives, by providing malaria medication free of charge to those in need.
http://malaikaforlife.org/
Awards (currently screened at 6 festivals – 5 in competition):
- Albuquerque Film Festival – “Best Documentary”
- Long Island International Film Expo – “Best Documentary”
- SOHO International Film Festival (New York City) – “Best Documentary”
- SOHO International Film Festival - “Best World Showcase” (Overall Excellence in Filmmaking in all categories — fiction, doc, short, foreign language).
- Buffalo Niagara Film Festival – “Best Documentary” - Honorable Mention
Reviews:
“This is a story that shows a real slice of life, both in beauty and joy and in endured hardship. It is visually stunning, the sound track is inviting and the characters are compelling. This is a “must see”, for it is a journey to the soul. One will not leave the theater the same way as they came in.” – Central Florida View – Christina Cameron
***** … Izonorlando.com
“Filled with stunning cinematography and a dynamic soundtrack inspired by Peter Gabriel, this documentary will inspire you to make your own journey of personal discovery.”
Examiner.com Gabriel Tyner
“Tanzania: A Friendship Journey deeply moved me, not only as a policymaker, but as a world citizen. The power of the story told through the voices of two young adults from vastly different cultures gives me hope that our conflicts can be prevented and gaps bridged. This is a truly life-changing film and an intensely meaningful testimony to friendship, justice and peace.”
Honorable Elijah E. Cummings, U.S. House of Representatives (Maryland)
“This film captures the amazing beauty of Tanzania as well as the devastating reality of distress that many Tanzanians in remote villages endure on a daily basis. A contrast that is unimaginable to westerners, but real. Tanzania: A Friendship Journey delivers a message of hope and a future for many wonderful human beings who desperately need our help.” - Doug Pitt (Africa 6000), Goodwill Ambassador for the United Republic of Tanzania
“TANZANIA: A FRIENDSHIP JOURNEY” reminds us that some of life’s most precious gifts are priceless. When we allow our hearts and minds to be open, the possibilities are endless.” —Flaviana Matata (Miss Tanzania, 2007)
Director Biography:
Sylvia has been producing independent feature films since 1993 and began her directing work on the stage in the early 90’s. She has been directing documentary/reality television since 2001. Over the past nine years she has traveled the world directing/producing on five continents for networks including Discovery, Travel Channel, WE and TLC. She won an Emmy for the hit Travel channel show Great Hotels. TANZANIA: A Friendship Journey marks her feature directorial debut and she is currently in production on two other feature length documentaries, Angels Among Us a long term project focusing on the changes and acceptance of individuals with developmental disabilities over the past five decades and An Affair of the Heart which follows the journey of rock icon Rick Springfield and his ardently devoted fans. She founded DolGer Films in 2007 an active production company specializing in independent narrative films and social issue documentaries.
