An internationally acclaimed American documentary filmmaker is in PNG as part of the American Film Showcase (AFS) program.
The AFS started 6 years ago, and is a program sponsored by the State Department. Each year they send out filmmakers to 30 to 35 countries to encourage aspiring filmmakers to tell their own stories.
Dawn Porter is a film maker and founder of production company, Trilogy Films, whose film ‘Gideon’s Army’ won the award for Best Editing in the 2013 Sundance Film Festival.
Ms. Porter is in the country supporting the US Embassy’s programs and women empowering initiatives addressing social issues such as gender-based violence and female student population retention in schools.
Travelling with her was her 15 year old son Eli, who is in high school and a filmmaker himself.
“It’s been extremely enjoyable I have learned a lot and seen a lot and met a lot of people,” said Eli.
Porter speaks of how film has a powerful impact on important issues.
“Film is one of the most powerful medium that we have. I think to the extent that it makes us reflect on our own lives, our struggles and resilience,” stated Porter.
Also travelling with them is Associate Dean, Administration and International Projects at the University of Southern California who is a Co-principal Investigator of the American Film Showcase.
The trio will be conducting several meetings and discussions at various locations around Port Moresby and will leave the country on the 7th of March.
