Have you ever thought of travel/adventure journalism? USC journalism student Rowan Schindler is putting into action his own journalism adventure to The Arctic!
He’s raising money (right now!) to buy an awesome camera to document vulnerable communities in the Arctic.
Rowan says he decided to do it after meeting and interviewing Adventurer John Cantor!
After talking to John he got to know research buff, Dr Tristan Pearce who works at USC.
“When we got talking about the Arctic he just flat-out asked me if I wanted to go to the Arctic with him,” Rowan says.
“I couldn’t believe it but I said yes!”
Contributed Photo: The town of Ulukhaktok.
Rowan is in his final year of his journalism degree and says he’s one step closer to becoming the journalist he wants to be while raising awareness of these Arctic communities in the Western world!
“While over there I will be filming a documentary on Inuit culture in the Arctic town of Ulukhaktok, Canada,” Rowan says.
“The film will focus on Inuit subsistence hunting, climate change adaptation and social issues in the community.
“If I am successful with this documentary I am going to do the same for Indigenous communities.”
Contributed Photo: Inuit hunters Alan Pogotak and Adam Kudlak.
Rowan said the projects aim is to expose the effects of climate change on vulnerable indigenous culture and to discover innovative ways to preserve traditional indigenous customs, skills and methods.
“I will be working in -40 degree days and -70 degree wind chills,” Rowan says.
“If I am successful in my fundraising I will be able to deliver learning modules to be used by young Inuit to help preserve traditional customs and skills and a feature length documentary or short film to highlight problems facing contemporary Inuit in a changing world.”
Rowan says his ultimate goal is to submit his documentary into international film festivals!
“To do this I need to buy a good camera which will cost close to $6,000 and the equipment that goes with it,” he says.
Rowan created his own project page on funding website, Pozible which allows anyone from all over the world to make their project a reality.
He says the site is a great way to make your dream come true.
“It seemed the only way for me to raise the funds I need,” Rowan says.
“I am seeking funding and sponsorships from organisations such as Australian Geographic and the University of the Sunshine Coast.”
Rowan says his target goal is $10,000.
“This target will allow me to buy the camera and equipment I need to create my documentary,” he says.
Photo by Dr. Tristan Pearce of The Arctic.
Rowan says his dream is to become an adventure journalist who embarks on crazy journeys across the world to help communities, doing stories that are worth telling!
“I have a deep love for the world, the people, the cultures, the animals and the places and wilderness in it,” Rowan says.
“I believe that this (the project) is achievable through strong, honest journalism and storytelling.”
Help Rowan now!
To help him on his way click here to pledge how much money you would like to give.
Make sure to keep checking back here for updates on Rowan’s fundraising!
HCXO!