From Valley to Fishtail is an exhibition of short films, photography, and interactive artworks. It is open to the public from Wednesday 25 until Friday 27 January, 11-4pm at Soft Ground in Sheffield City Centre. A special preview is being held from 6pm - 8pm on Tuesday 24 January and is free to attend, but tickets are required.
The documentary, SITA, made by Sheffield Hallam Students Melissa Broughton, Emma Thompson, Emily Johnson and Rachael Lovelock includes a short film and photo series. It will be screened at the Leadmill on Saturday 21 January. The viewing is free, but tickets are required.
Aron Spall, Senior Lecturer in Digital Media Production, said: “The trip was an incredible experience for all of us and as a learning experience it was unique and thrilling. What impressed me so much was the sense of togetherness and positivity that was nurtured amongst the students and staff. The most powerful memory for me was the encounters with the incredible people at Sertshang Orphanage Home in Kathmandu, who have so much to teach us about what true compassion for young people means in the way they care for, value and respect each other.”
“For the students this trip was life-changing, something they, and we, will never forget. Being involved in the project gave them professional and personal confidence, they gained production and teamworking skills, and crucially it broadened their understanding of the world beyond their borders, to witness issues that affect low-income countries and encourage them to engage with and advocate for progressive change as they go forward and assess their future directions.”
During the trip, the students from a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Sheffield Hallam’s Department of Media Arts and Communication produced short films, photography, interactive media, and written articles focusing on issues including human rights, gender equality, and life in orphanages.
Whilst there they visited orphanages in Kathmandu and met with the mayor and deputy mayor of Kathmandu, Nepali filmmakers, and the executive director of Women Empowerment Nepal.
The team also provided aid to orphanages in Kathmandu and fundraised for supplies needed, such as food, stationary, school supplies and sports equipment.
The aim of the trip was to give Nepali people a voice through collaborating creatively with the students on documentaries in the hope the films would raise discussion about what is now needed in the longer term to make a difference.
Siring Adol Caur, an MA student in Sports Journalism at Sheffield Hallam University, said: "Adding adventure to learning, was an experience that all of us had on this trip. It was like putting our future into first gear, with all kinds of professional support and guidance needed. The various kinds of scenarios and situations we came across were like training us to learn what we would face further.”
“It will be one of the best memories from the course for each one of us, to cherish for a lifetime. It gave me quite a journalistic view and opened my mind to different experiences that are waiting for me to be explored. Kudos to GoGlobal, that they made it possible for us, to visit such a vibrant and colourful country like Nepal.”
The trip was part-funded by Sheffield Hallam University’s Go Global fund, which encourages students to broaden their horizons and enhance their skills and future employability by undertaking an international activity while studying.
The fund also aims to increase the participation in these activities by students from under-represented groups and from less-advantaged backgrounds
Secure tickets for the SITA screening at The Leadmill, and the From Valley to Fishtail exhibition
