Nomad Films Director Helen Newman recently returned from a week in Miki City, where she conducted interviews and filmed key people involved in the long-standing 25-year sister city exchange program between the two cities.
“Those I interviewed hold a passionate interest in the sister city program. By filming their stories at various locations in and around Miki City the documentary has been able to create a much more intimate glimpse into the rich, and sometimes life changing experiences this programme gives to its participants,” Helen said.
“Travelling to Japan allowed us to capture the engaging, real history of individual stories that can often get missed in written history records.”
Talana Lane, a member of the Federation Council Miki City Committee, travelled with Helen acting as translator, assisting with interviews and logistics. Talana was a Miki City exchange student and has kept her keen interest alive through the work of the volunteer committee and council.
“Being involved in the exchange program has had such a profound and positive impact on my life,” she said.
“I have made some wonderful lifelong friendships, learnt in depth about a culture that is so different to our own and been able to support others to have the same opportunity to experience this amazing program.”
Helen and Talana spent the week alongside Miki International’s Kyoko Kawagoe, who organised the program and logistics for the filming. Kyoko has visited the Federation Council and has also played host to students and chaperones travelling to Miki City. It was her knowledge and connections that enabled the amazing interviews to take place.
Federation Council Mayor Pat Bourke said it was fantastic to hear that the documentary filming has commenced.
“I really look forward to seeing the completed documentary,” he said.
“Our presence in Japan, taking such a genuine interest in the people, the culture and showing our value towards the sister city program has further enhanced the relationship Federation Council has with Miki City. This documentary is another fine example of that.”
Federation Council was successful in securing funding under the Australia-Japan Foundation’s International Relations Grants program for the development of the short documentary film and a memorabilia exhibition to be held in 2023, showcasing and celebrating the 25-year sister city relationship with Miki City.
During the past 25 years, it is estimated there have been over 140 exchange students involved in the sister city program, as well as additional chaperones and dignitaries and an array of memorabilia shared between the two countries.
The Australia-Japan Foundation International Relations Grants program supports initiatives that promote people to people links, a contemporary and positive image of Australia and support for the Australian Government’s international policy goals.
The project will support the Foundation objectives by showcasing and further enhancing the connection between our communities that builds understanding, trust and influence.
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