First National Parks: New Perspectives film launches – City Girl in Nature documents first-time visits to a National Park
The experiences of four young people from the city heading for their first ever visit to a National Park is captured in a stunning new short film documenting their powerful connection with nature, the landscape and each other.
‘Moments in Nature’, a short film by Kwesia X – a.k.a. City Girl in Nature – is the first in our National Parks: New Perspectives series. Watch the full 12-minute film here:
The project, shot at Seven Sisters Country Park and Friston Forest earlier this summer, follows the journeys of Kwesia, Palmiro, Mera and Toheeb as they explore the coast, the woods and open spaces in South Downs National Park.
Introducing her film, Kwesia, who lives in South London, said: “I only learnt what a National Park was last year. Since then, I’ve been to four National Parks so far and plan to get round to them all. For me, a National Park is a glimpse of the wider world and the wonders of Mother Nature. This film captures how the landscape enables bonds of friendship and an understanding of co-existence with the natural world. My ambition is to enable others like me to be able to experience going to National Parks.”
Under the City Girl in Nature moniker, the 24-year-old is determined to get more people connecting with nature and National Parks, and the launch of the film coincides with the launch of a new City Girl in Nature crowdfunder.
Kwesia was one of 10 young storytellers to receive £1,000 funding and training from Ocean City Media as part of our new bursary scheme which aims to amplify the voices of those less heard in National Parks.
“We understand the importance and power of sharing authentic stories from National Parks to inspire people to love and care for these protected landscapes,” said Campaign for National Parks’ Chief Executive Rose O’Neill.
“We were very pleased, thanks to generous donations from our supporters, to be able to launch this new bursary scheme and support the next generation of National Park storytellers. We think the results speak for themselves. We were incredibly moved by Kwesia’s powerful film and hope you will be too; we know that it will inspire others to venture to, and connect with, their local National Park.”
Find out why Kwesia applied for the National Parks: New Perspectives bursary, and what she’s up to next in this guest blog post.
Rose added: “National Parks are for everyone and, with over 100 million visits per year, they bring huge benefits for our health and wellbeing. But there is real inequality in access and participation, which is why we are campaigning for amendments to the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill to ensure inclusive access to National Parks is a priority, alongside greater action for nature.”
This autumn, we’ll be sharing another six short films about National Parks in England and Wales as part of the National Parks: New Perspectives series, along with some portrait photos, a photo essay and walking leaflet. Stay tuned.
Were you moved by Kwesia’s film? Do you want more people to be enjoy National Parks? Join us as we campaign for better access.
