Who are you trying to help? What issue are you trying to address?

The story of Maho Bay Camps is crucial in developing the historic foundation for the international Green movement for conservation and sustainable living. The current fight to save Maho Bay from development and greed is this generation’s true example of the “paving of paradise to put up a parking lot.” Through compelling storytelling The Maho Project highlights the special human connection with nature and is vital in developing an understanding of our effects on delicate marine and land, and forest ecosystems. This film seeks to reach an international audience with a simple but compelling argument, through beautiful imagery and engaging storytelling, for more responsible travel, simpler lifestyles and protection of our natural national treasures

What is your project and how will it help?

This project will work in cooperation with the US Virgin Islands National Park, the USVI Department of Planning and Natural Resources, the University of the Virgin Islands, the USVI Department of Tourism and local communities to garnish support for protecting our National Treasures. We look to inspire a new generation of Engineers in development of sustainable communities and local communities to practice conservation. Not only to explore non-traditional recycling programs created and practiced at Maho, but also to highlight the positive social effects that come through this sustainable living community. The prevailing struggle between commercial development and protection of the natural environment is at the forefront in this story and provides the conflict needed to engage and inspire audiences.

How can other people partner with you on your project?

An Interactive Website for the film will be created with a few transmedia elements. Those include:
1) A running “Behind the Scenes” video page that will feature periodic entries. Entries will include side stories of Maho’s innovation in recycling and environmental preservation. Alternate interviews, where characters will share side stories intended to build an early relationship with the audience.

2) Audiences will have an interactive view of Maho Bay Camps via the Stairways Webcam, where the audience can see Mahonians come and go on the Stairways 24/7.

3) Through a Somewhere between Sunsets Facebook, Twitter, MahoDoc.com and various social media outlets we will also drive audiences and environmental groups to our website/blog to drive interest and buzz for the film release.

4) On our website, there will also be a “Final Escape to Maho” Contest. Entries for the contest are made through signing up and following the blog. There will be a photo/video innovative conservation contest, rules to follow, where periodic winners will be given round trip airfare for 2 (from the US), a week’s vacation at Maho Bay Camps and an onscreen interview to be shown on the Somewhere between Sunsets video blog.

5) Development of an international elementary education outreach curriculum built around private screenings of the film, discussions with characters and participating in community beach cleanups, recycled art projects and innovative green technology programs.

6) Interactive visitors corner on the film’s website, where guests, staff and community can share their stories, pictures and green innovations with a wide audience.

Please detail the resources that you need.

We are seeking financial support for the films production in the amount of $125,000. Matching funds are being sought for additional production expenses and multimedia interactive outreach & educational campaign.
This film is fiscally sponsored by the International Documentary Association, so any donations are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law.