documentary

Syria Relief - Mat Norman gives an overview of his time spent filming in Syria.
Posted on  14th May, 2013

I've been working with charity Syria Relief for nearly a year now, and in April/May I was privileged to be asked to visit conflict-torn Syria myself. I didn't really know how to prepare myself (a long phone-call with artist David Cotterell helped), and had little idea of what I might see.

In my 10 days filming in Syria I witnessed mankind's beauty and ugliness in the same moment. I saw bombs dropped on villages and towns causing the destruction of places of worship and community strongholds (such as bakeries and water systems), families torn apart - losing their homes and/or loved ones. I witnessed the chaotic atmosphere of refugee camps and saw thousands of internally displaced people making the best of their fractured lives.

I also met the loveliest people I am ever likely to meet, experienced unsurpassed hospitality in desperate situations and saw some stunningly beautiful countryside.

The team I was working with are the most forward thinking and productive group of people I think I've ever worked with.

Overall it was an extreme and unforgettable experience.

Portrait of an Athlete
Posted on  14th June, 2011

First posting in blogworld.. Following Team Vanuatu as they acclimatise in rural Cheshire on the build up to London 2012, here is the first of what will hopefully become a series of portraits from Soup Collective.