Main fundraiser photo

Julia's Senior Thesis Film

^^^Above is a montage of footage taken in June during the test footage phase of this project.  

Aloha friends, family, and fellow adventurers!  

My name is Julia Cammack and I am a Senior Film/Video major at Pratt Insitute. My passion is sharing stories through documentary filmmaking that may otherwise be untold.  

I am directing a documentary short film about life as a "Garden Girl" in Kaua'i, Hawai'i for my senior thesis.  

Mac Pigott, a resident of Kekaha, Kaua'i is a host on Helpx.net. This is a website where people can make listings in need of helpers to work in their gardens, hostels, bed and breakfasts, farms, etc. In exchange for a free place to stay.  

When I first told my friends and family my sophomore year of college that I was going to stay with a man in Kaua'i and work in his garden as a "Garden Girl" their initial reaction was extreme caution. I did my research and trusted my gut that Mac's house was a safe place to spend my month-long winter break. And thus, began a wonderful journey.  

My thesis is an important story for me to share because becoming a Garden Girl made me step outside of my comfort zone. I can't imagine my life without Mac in it to redefine how I travel, interact, and live with my fellow brothers and sisters. Garden Girls come from all over the world for the shared reason that we desired to try something different and branch out a bit.  

This is a film for all the people out there, especially women, that have been empowered by their willingness to get out and explore. Mac has served as a mentor in my life, someone that has challenged my fears over and over again. He asks the questions no one else will. Mac has taught me to slow life down, take it day by day, give myself time to do what makes me happy and share that with my community, family, and friends. Most importantly, Mac reminds me that leaving someone is never "goodbye" it's "A Hui Hou" (until we meet again).  

I hope to accomplish an immersive experience for viewers. Countless times I have been asked, "Who? What? Why?", and I aim to answer these questions by allowing you to observe and find out for yourselves. May this film be an ambassador of aloha to all of you. Join me and take a look beyond the pristine beauty of the state of Hawai'i to explore an intimate community in the far corner of the USA. 

I will be returning to Kaua'i in December with my cinematographer, Margaret Margeson, to continue bringing you the Garden Girl story. But first, we need your help.  

Your donations will help cover the costs of the following:  
-Flights to and from Kaua'i  
-Transportation fees on Kaua'i (gas for car, bus tickets)  
-Film festival submission fees 
-Equipment (including): 1 sound recorder, 1 microphone, 2 ND filters, 2 UV protection filters, lens cleaners, 1 monopod, backup batteries, SD Cards, 3 Hard drives  
 
Any amount you can donate would be much appreciated. I am very grateful for your support. 

Mahalo (Thank you)!  

If you have any questions about this project, feel free to reach out.
Donate

Donations 

  • Jeanie and Bill Cammack
    • $5,000 (Offline)
    • 6 yrs
  • Miriam Bell
    • $75 (Offline)
    • 6 yrs
  • Anonymous
    • $30 (Offline)
    • 6 yrs
  • Anonymous
    • $75 (Offline)
    • 6 yrs
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Organizer

Julia Meriwether
Organizer
Brooklyn, NY

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