September 2009

On 3rd September, 2009, the Sustainable Business Network hosted the Northern Regional Awards in Auckland. Represented by Margaret Malcolm (Board Member), Borderless was awarded the "Judges Commendation" in the Best Emerging Small and Medium Business category.

Borderless is honuored to be recognised for its efforts in sustainability. "Sustainability for us is multi-faceted" says Borderless Director, Qiujing Wong. "We consider it to encompass everything from environmental sustainability like recyclcing our rubbish and car-pooling, through to equally important factors such as upholding social and economic values in all the work we do".

Congratulations to all award recipients who will compete at the upcoming SBN National Awards to be held in Auckland on 12th November, 2009.

The full list of Northern Regional Awards winners can be viewed at the Sustainable Business Network Awards Website.

April 2009

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February 2009

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January 2009

We have good news for those of you who have been waiting for the televised screenings of 'A Grandmother's Tribe' documentary film. Those of you living in NZ, Kenya and USA will be able to enjoy the film on television this year.

- The Documentary Channel in New Zealand will be airing the film six times in 2009. A schedule of screening times will be released shortly through the Borderless newsletter.

- MHz, based in Washington DC, USA will also be screening the documentary to its 16million viewers of educational television. Visit MHz's website to get screening times for 2009.

- Citizen TV in Kenya, Africa first aired the film on Boxing Day 2008 shortly after the Theatrical Premiere in Nairobi on World Aids Day. Here is what Kenyan audiences had to say after the first television screening:

"I watched your film on CITIZEN TV in Nairobi yesterday evening. It was very moving and inspiring. The grannies are playing a role that is critical in our society. This is the first time we have experienced their "diaries" in such a well-documented manner. The film is definitely a first in many ways and will have a great impact on the lives of these strong women."

"I am in A Kenyan and I watched this film on a local television two weeks ago. One of grandmas are from my tribe and let me tell you I was touched by what I saw. Our local media have never unearthed some of the crucial problems facing our families. I sincerely appreciate your work."

"I wish to take this opportunity first and foremost to thank you for highlighting the plight of grandmothers in busia samia kenya. I've just watched the film on citizen tv kenya at 10pm. The film is very educative and more so it restrains people from unprotected sex. It also encourages couples to be faithful to their spouses . Last and not i wish to thank you for the initiative, your films touch the hearts of many people. Please keep it up and God will bless you."

"I was carried away by your documentary about grandmothers taking care of their grandchildren after the death of their husbands, sons, and daughters."

"I love what you are doing in exposing the grandmothers to the world having experienced so much trauma after the demise of their beloved children."

December 2008

Exactly two years after the first scene of 'A Grandmother's Tribe' was filmed in Kenya, it returned home to host three premiere screening events. On the 1st December 2008, with remarkable support from the US Embassy, the first event was held in Nairobi (Kenya's Capital City) at FOX CINEMAS. A full house of representatives from the NGO sector, government, the US Embassy and the films community of support watched the film in support of the grandmothers of Africa.

The premiere marked both World Aids Day as well as two years since Borderless Productions crew began filming this documentary film about the millions of grandmothers left to raise their orphaned grandchildren in sub-Saharan Africa after losing their own children to HIV/AIDS.

On the 3rd December, the film played to thousands of residents of Kibera Slum at the Open Cinema screening. The audience was treated to a wonderful array of entertainment from Kibera arts groups and activists who performed expressions of the Kenyan culture and struggles they have with poverty, hygiene and health. When it became dark, the film played and only the occasional quiet murmur was heard through the entire 54 minutes.

Finally, on Friday, the filmmakers and US Embassy travelled to the village (10 hours by road or 1 hour by plane flight) to the west of Kenya where the village grandmothers awaited their turn to witness their starring roles in this movie.

What struck the local community as well as the filmmakers was the remarkable support shown by local and national government for the grandmothers. The Village Chief, District Commissioner, Minister of Parliament responsible for Busia, and the US Embassy all attended this event to honour the grandmothers. Of course, in the front row were the stars, the grandmothers and grandchildren from Funyula. Tears of joy and gratitude ran down their faces as they watched themselves tell their tragic story of loss and hope.

The event was held in the Busia school hall, catering for 400-500 people.

The filmmakers are incredibly thankful to Felix Masi from Voiceless Children and Ellen Beinstock from the US Embassy for their immense support in ensuring this film was seen by as many as possible in these three premiere events. Broadcast screenings of the film are scheduled to follow on Citizen TV nationwide in 2008 / 09.

November 2008

Oxfam New Zealand has kicked off its clever gift giving catalogue with a quirky and fun television and internet campaign.

Oxfam Unwrapped puts a new spin on the holiday season with the strap line Put an end to bad presents this Christmas. This year's television campaign stars a goat, chicken, piglet, donkey and a handful of well-meaning Kiwis keen to make a real difference for someone in need.

Oxfam worked with local film and campaign management company, Borderless Productions to bring this idea to life. "This is a brilliant concept and one I'm sure audiences will get a chuckle out of. It makes giving fun and meaningful rather than onerous and boring," says Director, Dean Easterbrook.

Oxfam Unwrapped is a straightforward concept. Instead of buying the usual socks and jocks for friends and family, people can donate a gift to families and communities in developing countries, helping them to work their way out of poverty.

Every gift in the catalogue represents a need identified by communities that Oxfam works with around the world. And there are over 60 gifts to choose from, including chickens, donkeys, buffalo, goats, providing supplies for schools, building toilets or ensuring a community benefits from clean, safe water.

It's a wonderful way to spread the Christmas spirit by ensuring people in greater need are thought of and provided for this festive season.

"Oxfam Unwrapped provides crucial funding for our work, and this Christmas it's really exciting to work with Borderless Productions to promote it even further through this entertaining commercial," says Arron Peacock, Oxfam's Direct Marketing Manager.

The Oxfam Unwrapped Christmas campaign will be broadcast on TV1 and TV3 from November 24, 2008. It will also be sent to audiences via email to be passed on to friends, colleagues and family.

October 2008

Borderless has a new home.

On the top floor of Old Sofrana House in the exclusive and very cool Britomart Place, Borderless is now found perched between the cool brick interior walls and original wooden floorboards.

The team has set up shop in a spacious environment where clients and production teams meet regularly to enjoy creative discussions, great coffee and stunning views of Auckland Harbour.

A few months after we moved in Borderless was featured in the local magazine Scenezine - read about us on pages 32-33.

To find us, view the map on our contact page.

June 2008

Good Magazine has combined efforts with local film producer Borderless Productions to create a stunning viral video campaign to celebrate and promote UN World Environment Day.

The ninety-second short film is the official viral video the UN World Environment Day, hosted this year by New Zealand on 5 June.

The video is being released through the Internet on the web sites of UN Environment Programme and YouTube and shown at many of the official World Environment Day events in New Zealand.

It will also feature on the websites of Good, Borderless Productions, Stuff, Idealog, and be sent through the email of numerous organisations such as Green Business Council, New Zealand Council for Sustainable Development, Sustainable Business Network, EcoStore, and more.

"This gorgeous film is compelling and powerful, and we're hopeful that people will pass it on to friends and family." says publisher of Good magazine Martin Bell.

The video shows people from all around the world with a message about global warming.

"It has been an absolute joy producing this film for World Environment Day 2008 and we really hope viewers take action as a result of watching it," says Borderless director, Dean Easterbrook.

The video coincides with the launch of Good magazine - New Zealand's Guide to sustainable Living. Inside the magazine is a 16 page supplement to celebrate and promote New Zealand's involvement with World Environment Day.

May 2008

Visit A Grandmother's Tribe website now >

March 2008

Film-makers want to change the world, writes Ashley Campbell
Qiujing Wong and Dean Easterbrook were not surprised by recent news that more than half of New Zealand professionals don't like their jobs.

It's not that the founders of screen production company Borderless Productions are among those dissatisfied employees - it's that they know a lot of people who are.

Read the full article here >

November 2007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, November 21, 2007 Auckland, New Zealand
New Zealand Company, Borderless Productions', latest film, 'A Grandmother's Tribe' has already raised CA$50,000 for African grandmothers.

The film, which tells the story of two grandmothers in Kenya - one rural and one urban - caught in the riptide of HIV/AIDS and left to raise their orphaned grandchildren, premiered a few weeks ago in a black-tie Gala Screening in Vancouver, Canada. After the film had been seen, a man in the audience raised his hand, and asked what it would cost to build a house for one of these grannies. The answer was $3,000. The man said he wanted to write a cheque. Another person raised their hand, and said they would like to build a house too. Within minutes, 10 houses had been pledged!

Read the full release here >

October 2007

Exciting News! 'A Grandmother's Tribe' was awarded the honour of a 'Special Mention' in its world premiere at the 2007 DOCNZ International Documentary Festival traveling to four cities throughout New Zealand (September - November).

In attendance on the night and representing 'A Grandmother's Tribe' were filmmakers Dean and Q, Editor - Kat Blair, Website - Ian and Debbie from Pacific Shack, Designer - Kyle Jones and Bruno and Adam from DigiPost.

Thanks to DOCNZ for persisting in building a thriving documentary industry in New Zealand.