Documentary: 1000 Mile Horseback Trek

Emily Russell is organizing this fundraiser.

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Hi! My name is Emily Claire Russell and I am making a documentary film about my thousand-mile horseback journey.

Documentary Concept Trailer: 1000 Mile Horseback Trek (2023)

In May 2023, I will be twenty years old as I embark on a journey torn from the pages of history – a 1000-mile horseback trek through Spain and France. My horse and I will travel on timeworn pilgrim routes with the bare necessities over the course of three months.

The film will be a personal documentary piece, exploring the journey of my Long Ride as I learn to be profoundly present in my connection with my horse, the land, and myself. Long Riding is a difficult form of travel—it allows you to slow down, and that's okay.

My goal is to submit the film (working title Nomad and Mare) in 2024 for consideration in the 2025 festival circuit, to potentially premiere at the Banff Mountain Film Festival.

Please see my film treatment for a detailed overview of the film and the ride. I used this document in my submission to the Canadian Council of the Arts for funding consideration.

LINK: www.themarejournals.com/film/film-treatment

The work I’ve done so far…

I have Belle, a bright little Portuguese horse who I spent time riding and training in 2021. She is being transported to Spain for us to begin training together in preparation for the long journey.

I will be preparing for the ride at Establo de Crystal. Please visit their website and social media to see their beautiful riding centre in Northern Spain.

I have purchased an Australian Stock saddle that is specially designed for travelling long distances

I have upgraded my camera equipment. Please see samples of my previous work on my YouTube Channel.

I’ve purchased a new drone (because apparently, every documentary filmmaker needs one!)

Perhaps most importantly, I have the determination to ride a thousand miles...

This GoFundMe will be used for…

Post-production

Contracting a professional film editor

Equipment: Hard drives, editing software, etc

Production

Incidental expenses of the ride

Veterinarian costs and emergency financial needs

ALL donors will be recognized in the credits of the film, with special thanks for making the production possible. For larger donations, limited executive producer positions are available.

ABOUT ME:

In 2020, I was co-creator of the film How To Fix Radios which screened at festivals internationally, including MIX Milan in Italy, Inside Out Festival in Toronto, and the Kingston Canadian Film Festival.

In 2019 I wrote, shot, and directed an award-winning short film, Castles in Spain, which screened at KCFF 2020 and won the Jury Award in the Youth Shorts category.

In September 2023, I will be attending the University of King’s College for their Bachelor of Journalism (honours) program in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Thank you for your consideration of my project.

Send me a message and follow the journey: @marenomadic on Instagram