Hello,

My name is Spike Maurice-Jones. I'm an aspiring filmmaker from London with an ambitious project which I truly believe will have the power to make a much needed global change. Let me explain...

I'm gonna list fifteen countries: Brunei, Guyana, Malawi, Botswana, Malaysia, Eswatini, Uganda, Zambia, Zanzibar, Kenya, Belize, Bahrain, Dominica, Tuvalu, Kiribati.

Other than "it's hot" can you actually tell me a single thing about any of them?

The answer is most probably no. And I can guarantee you the next thousand people to read this will also have the same response.

These are just 15 out of 60 countries across the globe which celebrate their independence from Britain annually (thats an average of 1 every 7 days) and as Brits we know almost nothing about them which I find shocking considering how our country was involved with each of them. Surely we owe it to these countries to at least know SOMETHING about their culture, their history, their identity? This is OUR history as well.

I will be embarking on a multi-year documentary series where I will fly to each one of these nations to film and celebrate their independence day with them - most of their biggest national holidays. I'll also be delving into what their countries have to offer through their unique blends of cultures, people, food, nature and more which are largely unknown to us Brits at home.

I will also be doing this for Save the Children charity which was setup in 1919 initially to help kids affected by post war Europe but in the 1960's when the empire fell and war / famine spread, Save the Children had an enormous helping hand in assisting children affected in Britains previous colonies. I couldn't think of a more fitting charity to be raising money more considering the subject matter of the series.

This is where I need you to come in. I've put an initial fundraising goal of £5000 which will be vital in helping me in getting this project off the ground. It will go towards: flights, equipment, travel expenses, and then a kick-ass editor to help me make the best possible film and do justice to each one of these amazing countries.

With each flight purchased towards this project, we will be donating 10% of the total ticket worth to Save the Children. With around 100 flights, each averaging £800.00, we have the potential to raise a huge amount of money together and by the end of the project whatever money is left in the pot will be donated to them as well.

My first stop is Guyana. I'll be flying on the 21st May to begin conducting interviews with locals and government officials, as well as exploring the country and filming their Diamond Jubilee independence day celebrations on the 26th.

Guyana is a fascinating country to begin my pilot episode. With an ethnic mix made from a vibrant, multicultural blend of Indigenous, African, Indian, British, and Chinese influences I can't wait to explore the cuisine and immerse myself in the completely unique culture and most importantly show the world what the least visited country in South America has to offer.

I'll be approaching this documentary series with intense curiosity, great sensitivity and a profound passion to learn. I desperately need your support in helping get this off the ground. Anything you can spare will truly go such a long way and I promise I will use it to make the best possible product.

Embark with me on this totally ambitious adventure, the likes of which has never been done before, and one in which I hope will be the start of the greatest and most significant series of films I'll ever make for cause I passionately believe in.

THANK YOU.