Dear Ndjeka group (aka Ethelia, Mariana, Iana, Drew, and Char),
Guys, we are almost done. Less than two days and everything we have worked on for the past couple of weeks will be submitted in a tiny little USB. There is so much to say but I just got back from filming my segment for our little student film (I got some intense action shots in there) and so I’ll need to keep this short and quick.
Before I go into how each of you have been incredible in our collective effort, I just want to recap some things from the past couple of hours. Today has been quite an eventful day as a handful of us traveled to Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden and took a much needed restorative hike around a waterfall. It’s mind-blowing to realize that this expansive nature reserve is just about forty minutes by car from where we are currently staying. Besides the incredible views of the waterfall, mountains, gardens, indigenous plants, and trails, we were taken back from how serene the entire space felt – even in the little green gym area we explored. Quick shoutout to Drew and Char who had editing shifts during this period and held down our project while the rest of us were out chasing waterfalls for a bit. Afterwards, Rivonia B&B and its amazing staff (Fillitah, Trust, and everyone else!) had an absolutely fantastic braai prepared for us for dinner. The pap and chakalaka was a fave amongst us and somehow the potato salad was a big hit too.
Hold on, as I am typing this I am hearing cheerful screams and singing from the braai area across the courtyard from my little suite. I think everyone (except myself, Drew, and Jaime) has gathered together for the group filming segment. I am excited to see how it comes out – and curious to see where the group’s rendition of Party Rock will fit into the story haha.
Okay back to Ndjeka group.
Ethelia, you have been such a strong pillar in our team. Your constant and steady presence, cheerful demeanor, and infectious laugh has time and time again pushed our group to stay motivated. You did an absolutely amazing job interviewing Phumlani and I also want to personally thank you for the countless times you’ve helped me set up the tripods.
Mariana, our collective understanding of what we wanted from this video wouldn’t have been possible without you. Your digitization of our sticky-note storyboard and constant creative organization was one of the most detailed outlines I have ever seen. Also, I can confidently say that your calming presence as our wrangler has made organizing all our interviews that much more efficient.
Iana, our amazing Camera A and story checker. Girl, you sure can write a story – everything I have read from you (like all your blog posts and especially this hilarious one) is always crafted in the best way to reach the target audience. Please teach me your ways. So grateful to have such a creative mind like yours on our team to make sure we do justice to Dr. Ndjeka’s story.
Drew, you’ve truly been both brains and brawn for our team. Not only have you been on full audio duty throughout the project, but I have to admit lugging the trunk is no small feat. I am really grateful for all the times you’ve helped me move the trunk no questions asked. Also, you have been absolutely killing the editing and I appreciated our little collaboration as we rough cut Phumeza’s interview.
Char, you truly push our team to always do better. I am so grateful that we had such a dedicated and enthusiastic interviewer who was able to build so much rapport with almost all our video subjects. Not only have you helped in various aspects of producing but the interviews themselves were such a moving time for us all as your questions and delivery truly impacted the vulnerability of those we interviewed. I still fondly remember our first interview where we all just started crying amidst filming as well as the time you and I picked up Phumeza from the airport.
Our group has had so many memorable moments. Dining room brainstorming sessions. Whiteboard storyboarding. Documentary movies sessions for inspiration. Filming practice amongst ourselves and scouring for broll spots. That one time Fillitah brought out a basket of fries during our lunch break. Rivonia village trips to buy gifts and thank you cards. Trip to Sandton mall and Mugg&Bean to work. The one time we rushed to a Seattle Coffee and took over the entire place before hearing that the power was back. Flying Phumeza out of Capetown for a day and half just to interview her. Our new obsession with Khafeh. Shared neuroticism especially when our meetings extend well into the night. Almost getting military clearance for drone shots. Filming at the South African National Department of Health. Visiting Dr. Ndjeka’s house and joining his family for tea and snacks. Somehow ending up in a Burger King. Thinking we lost Iana’s USB and going back to the photo printing shop only to realize it was in our bag all along. Uber van (rides for groups up to 6) everywhere. Having problem after problem with audio in our rough cut. Watching our story finally come together visually as we pieced the interviews, b-roll, audio, music, and words together. And so many more.
Guys, it has been so much work and I know how much effort and dedication we all have put into this project. It’s also been so much fun and I am so grateful to have gotten to know all of you so much better. It’s been such a learning experience full of many firsts, mistakes, and exciting moments but we are at the final stretch now and I know we can finish strong. We got this.
Thank you for always putting up with my never-ending shared docs. You guys are the best.
Sincerely,
Manu
