Local film director Wendy Saunders is calling on the Kiama and Gerringong community to help crowdfund the completion of her new film Finding Your Path.

Filmed from 26–28 October at the Sowelu Retreat in Dombarton, Finding Your Path explores creativity, healing, and self-expression.

“Finding Your Path follows a group of women exploring healing and connection through expressive arts, yoga/art/dharma, mindful photography, and forest therapy,” said Saunders. 

“It’s about resilience, creativity, and rediscovering ourselves through nature and community.”

The film is a labour of love for Saunders, who recently graduated with a Certificate III in Screen and Media at iTec, and she says it was inspired by her own life.

“The idea came from my own experience with change and loss. Creative and nature-based practices helped me heal, and I wanted to share how powerful that process can be for others,” said Saunders.

Saunders firmly believes in the power of the practices explored in the film.

“They all invite stillness and awareness. Together they create space for reflection, connection, and transformation.”

The documentary was developed with the support of a Screen Illawarra crew, including videographer Rose Newland, director Adriana Mazevski, Valerie Hussain, as well as extras and members of the Older Women’s Network (OWN), and some of Saunders’ former colleagues from trauma healing retreats.

The cast and crew were all volunteers, so the film up to this point has been produced with no budget.

“The crew provided all their own equipment - video, sound, and lighting. Sowelu Retreat in Dombarton, west of Kembla Grange, generously provided accommodation and space for three days of filming. Everyone volunteered their time and skills, and the film has been built completely on heart and community spirit,” said Saunders.

She said filming was an absolute delight, with highlights including the Yoga/Art/Purpose workshop and the Forest Bathing walk.

“Personally, I’ve learned that creativity heals - and that collaboration and imperfection can lead to something truly beautiful,” said Saunders.

Saunders is calling on the local community through a crowdfunding campaign to help fund the film’s post-production needs.

“Crowdfunding support through Pozible will go toward editing, colour, sound, and music licensing - the finishing touches to bring the film to life. It will also support final mastering and file delivery, marketing materials such as posters and festival submissions, and audience engagement before release,” she said.

“Those who contribute financially often become early advocates, sharing the project, attending screenings, and helping build momentum for distribution or festival entry.”

Once completed, Saunders aims to have a local premiere of the film, followed by community screenings, festival showings, and eventually an online release.

Some of the art created during the Finding Your Path production. Photo: Wendy Saunders

“Community support means everything. The encouragement and generosity from the community - and the network of people who believe in the project - help it succeed through financial contributions, moral encouragement, practical help, and in-kind support such as social media or professional advice,” she said.

“Local storytelling connects us. It celebrates who we are and shines a light on the strength and creativity within small communities.”

If you would like to support Wendy and her film, email her at [email protected].