Doco fundraiser: orphans surfing the waves

MEDIA RELEASE COURTESY OF: MISION MEXICO

(NATIONAL) Somewhere Near Tapachula is the new documentary that is the heartfelt true story of Australian couple Alan and Pam Skuse and the unique surf community of orphaned, abused and homeless Mexican children - a refuge called Mision Mexico, they pioneered in Tapachula Chiapas on south coast of Mexico.

Directed and produced by Australian filmmakers Stefan Hunt and Jonno Durrant of Surfing 50 States, the film premiers in Sydney on 25th February 2010 at Dendy Opera Quays and will tour for 20 screenings around Australia.

The Skuses and the kids of Mision Mexico, tell their phenomenal tale of survival, love, life, hope, surfing – and of the first wave riders of Tapachula! Documenting the stories of the 54 children of Mision Mexico, who have come from places of unimaginable poverty, trauma and abuse; and their experiences of healing and transformation through surfing and love. The film is a powerful lesson on the important things in life, and the power of riding waves, whether you are a surfer or not.

Empty nesters to six kids, the Skuses set up in Tapachula in November 2000 to volunteer for 12 months at the Mision Mexico orphanage where their daughter had previously volunteered. Shortly into their stay the major benefactor withdrew and the kids were to be turned onto the street. The couple’s volunteering adventure quickly turned into a life saving mission and Mision Mexico, Giving Love, Life and Hope was born.

Mision Mexico’s mum and narrator Pam Skuse says: “In their short lives the children of Mision Mexico have experienced things that most of today’s society will never experience. Surfing is a potent form of therapy for these children. The ocean is not just a place of fun; it’s an escape from what life used to be for them. Through Mision Mexico we provide a family and community which supports, guides, disciplines, encourages, and directs these children to better themselves.”

“Surfing is something special, it’s not just a sport its part of my life, I feel like I don’t need anything more, I don’t need to take drugs, there is nothing better than surfing” says Jose one of the film’s young grommets, also a former street kid and glue sniffing gang member.

The filmmakers, Australian surfers Stefan Hunt and Jonno Durrant became involved in Mision Mexico when they were asked to donate a DVD of their new documentary Surfing50States. Moved by the children’s plight Stefen decided to volunteer for two months. Touched by the truly inspirational story, Stefen asked Jonno to join him with their camera equipment and Somewhere Near Tapachula was born.

"We were so touched and inspired by the amazing work of Pam and Alan Skuse, that I felt the story had to be shared. We are thrilled to be telling this remarkable story to fellow Australians” says Stefan Hunt & Jonno Durrant.

In celebration of the World Premier, opening night audiences are being treated to taste the delicious flavours of authentic Mexican fare Guzman Y Gomez, Sydney’s legendary Taqueria. Founder Steven Marks is a strong supporter of Mision Mexico and is funding the Sydney screenings, as part of Guzman Y Gomez’s mission to give back to the Mexican community and economy, and to educate Australians about Mexican culture. Guzman Y Gomez currently employs over 80 percent Latin American staff in its five Sydney stores; and has a program of bringing out Latin America’s top musicians and bands to tour Australia as part of its cultural education program.

“It is an incredible story, which has been brought to life so beautifully by the filmmakers. I have met Pam and Alan Skuse several times, and the devotion they have to the kids it’s incredibly moving and real. I plan to visit Mision Mexico in February this year and ride the waves with the children,” says Marks.

100% OF PROFITS RAISED FROM THE FILM, TOUR, DVDs, MERCHANDISE, DONATIONS ETC WILL GO TO MISION MEXICO

Tickets available through – www.moshtix.com.au
For more information on Somewhere Near Tapachula - www.somewhereneartapachula.com
Somewhere Near Tapachula Blog - www.goodcheer.tumblr.com; Twitter - @SNTmovie
For more information on GYG’s visit www.guzmanygomez.com.au
For more information on Mision Mexico - www.lovelifehope.com