Somewhere Near Tapachula
A Film of Love, Life and Hope
‘Somewhere Near Tapachula’ will be touring Australia throughout February and March. The world premiere will be held in Sydney at The Dendy Circular Quay on the 25th of February 2010. A screening will be held at The Point Restaurant in Ballina on the 11th March 2010 @7pm for a 7.30 start. Tickets are available at The Point Ballina. Phone 6618 1188
Tickets are $20 and you receive a free copy of the dvd – ALL money raised will go directly to the Mission.
When Pam and Alan Skuse left Australia in 2000 to volunteer at a children’s refuge in Tapachula, Mexico, they had no idea how life-altering the journey they were about to embark on would be. 10 years later, Pam and Alan are still in Tapachula and have 50 children in their care at a refuge aptly named Mission Mexico.
Two young film-makers, Stefan Hunt and Jonno Durrant, had heard about Mission Mexico through a friend who was volunteering at the refuge. The boys donated a DVD Player to the mission and after they finished touring their documentary ‘Surfing 50 States’, Stefan decided to spend some time helping out at the refuge. Once there, he was inspired to capture life at the mission on film.
‘Somewhere Near Tapachula’, a documentary by Stefan and Jonno, offers an insight to the daily challenges and rewards at the refuge and the one common theme that brings the family together every weekend – the ocean.
In the documentary Pam said that the children of Mission Mexico have had to endure emotional pain and physical punishment early in life that no human should be subjected to. “Some have been beaten, some have been raped, we have children that were addicted to drugs at the age of 8 and 9 and others have been used as sex slaves or are victims of illegal human trafficking,” she explained.
“They all enjoy the beach because it helps them forget about their past and focus on the ‘now’. The wide smiles and enthusiasm is happiness and love in its purest form.”
As far as surfing is concerned, Mission Mexico has already produced a fine crop and Stefan and Jonno have captured it. “We looked forward to every weekend, because the beach was the place where everyone was at peace with themselves and so content to help each other in and out of the water,” Stefan said.
There are some standout performances in the water where the teenagers were pushing each other to challenge boundaries, but the real stoke comes from seeing some of the younger kids get up for the first time on a board. I don’t think I have ever witnessed something like that before – someone who has had a horrific start in life and a couple of years later is riding a surfboard, all smiles and surrounded by love.”
‘Somewhere Near Tapachula’ is a story of love, life and hope – Mission Mexico’s mantra. It defines how strong the human spirit can be.
“Pam and Alan have built a home based around love, respect and self-belief. After everything these kids have gone through early in life, they smile and laugh every-day. The inspiration given by these children matches that of any business mentor, sports star or musician.” Jonno stated.
‘Somewhere Near Tapachula’ will be touring Australia throughout February and March. The world premiere will be held in Sydney at The Dendy Circular Quay on the 25th of February 2010. A screening will be held at The Point Restaurant in Ballina on the 11th March 2010. Tickets are available at The Point Ballina.
For more information please visit www.somewhereneartapachula.com <http://www.somewhereneartapachula.com>
All media enquiries and media interviews, please call Adam Mumford on 0414 444 769.