Freshi goes to New Zealand!

L to R:  Suzanne Shoemaker, Cindy and Steve Keung and Chris Shoemaker

October 13, 2011

Last week Freshi was honored to receive Mr. & Mrs. Steve and Cindy Keung at its Burbank offices all the way from Auckland, New Zealand.  Introduced by filmmaker Christopher Wyatt (Napolen Dynamite, Café, Broken Hill), the group discussed how to begin Freshi programs in New Zealand and the showcasing of completed youth films in the International Family Film Festival's Youth Fest!  for 2013.  

Prospects for a "Freshi-New Zealand" documentary was also explored and is in the offing. 

Steve is actively involved in Maori and indigenous initiatives and organizations.  Currently, he serves in a number of roles and positions (including Trustee, Director, Deputy CEO) with several Maori organizations.  One in particular is an Urban Maori Authority founded on the strength of its social, education, health, economic and spiritual indigenous self-determination agenda.  In 2009, that Trust celebrated 25 years of existence.  Another Trust that he is involved with governs a high profile "natural" caving tourism experience in New Zealand.

Steve is proud of what the indigenous Maori have achieved, but realizes more needs to be done in regards to empowering their youth with digital media, technological and communication skills to  ensure for an even more sustainable future of prosperity and growth for his people - as Steve says, "Better educated youth are the key to a more positive and peaceful future for us and our entire world." 

The Keungs left Freshi with a Film Club starter kit, various levels of Freshi filmmaking and video game design curricula, several cameras and a firm commitment to get a full fledged media program off the ground in New Zealand by 2012.

Freshi wishes the best for Steve and Cindy, and looks forward to building a meaningful relationship that will greatly benefit the youth of New Zealand with this dynamic couple in the years to come.