At Mt. Fuji in Japan, Enigma Filmes had the opportunity to work together with Konohana Family, an incredible eco-village. They mix ancient traditions with modern environmental and social activism. The stark contrast between upholding traditions and being conscious of modern environmental science was very strong but both values mixed in their respect of the lands. The interactions with the kids were so moving and exciting.
One of our favorite projects that Enigma Filmes had the opportunity to experience was Baan Unrak Children’s Home in Thailand, where we have already filmed twice. This orphanage of 120 kids, supports children and creates music about love and spirituality. They also support an elephant sanctuary near their home. The connections between the kids and the animals were so inspiring and touching.
While filming in Kathmandu with a group called Young Journalists of Nepal, the production faced a strike in the country. There was no gasoline or electricity. It became a very challenging shoot for the crew. We traveled around the city on top of the few busses that were still running.
Along the Child of Nature journey, we recorded music with children in 12 countires. Music with different rythms; rap songs, pop music, meditation, and more. In Mumbai, we found an amazing music school where children performed the peace mantra, Sarvesham Svastir Bhavatu, for a special edition of Child of Nature.
One of the most inspiring and touching stories we found for Child of Nature was in Lebanon, in a refugee camp. Two girls, Baara and Nejmeh, were teaching the younger children in the camp. This experience resulted in a global campaign. Children from over 15 countries united to build a school in the camp so these girls, and their students, can access proper education.
In Kenya, Enigma Filmes had an amazing experience, bringing slum children from Nairobi, Kenya on a trip to discover the interior part of Kenya and the Savannah. The result of this experience was a powerful interaction between the Maasai Maara children and the slum kids in Nairobi where they exchanged their knowledge of photography and environmental conservation. The children from Nairobi also presented a photo exhibition in the Savannah, and 300 local Maasai Maara students attended.
In search for stories for Child of Nature documentary film, Enigma Filmes visited India four times. It was in a slum in Dahisar, Mumbai, where we found many inspirational stories and partners, such as Poonam Tevar and Sonia Macwani. Poonam slowly became one of the main protagonists of the Child of Nature film.
In 2010, Enigma Filmes produced the documentary film, The Broken Moon, filmed in the Himalayas in India. For six months, the director, Marcos Negrao, lived with a nomad tribe in Changtang, Ladakh, migrating with them and experiencing their struggles with the changing climate. The film brings a human perspective to the current rise of global warming and was distributed in over 45 countries for film and television.