Quinkan
NGARRA’s Uganda Village project is a community-based initiative aimed at empowering youth in a remote village in Uganda through the transformative power of photography and storytelling.
G’day. My name is Andrew, and I am the founder of the Ngarra project, a nonprofit initiative rooted in the belief that every story deserves to be heard, and every voice holds the power to inspire change. I am reaching out to Fujifilm with an invitation—an opportunity to partner with us in our mission to empower young people in some of the world’s most marginalized communities through the transformative medium of photography.
Ngarra, a term from the Dharug language of the Indigenous peoples of Australia, means “Together As One.” This word encapsulates the essence of our work, which is centered around bringing people together—across borders, cultures, and generations—to share stories that have the power to change lives. We provide cameras, education, and support to young people, enabling them to capture their unique perspectives and share their stories with the world.
But our mission goes beyond photography. It’s about fostering a deeper connection with the land, the culture, and the community. It’s about reclaiming narratives that have been silenced, overlooked, or misunderstood. It’s about empowering the next generation to see themselves as storytellers, as custodians of their culture, and as agents of change in their communities.
So why Fuji? Fujifilm is not just a brand; it’s a symbol of excellence, creativity, and dedication to the art of photography. For decades, Fujifilm has been at the forefront of innovation, preserving the beauty and authenticity of moments through the lens of a camera. Your commitment to both digital and film photography aligns perfectly with Ngarra’s mission to document and share stories that matter.
In Indigenous cultures, storytelling is not just an art—it’s a way of life, a means of preserving history, culture, and identity. The stories are not written in books but are carved into the landscape, sung in the wind, and painted in the sky. They are etched into the hearts of the people, passed down through generations. At Ngarra, we see photography as a modern extension of this ancient tradition—a way to capture the essence of a moment, a person, a place, and preserve it for future generations.
When we place a camera in the hands of a young person, we are giving them more than just a tool—we are giving them a means to connect with their ancestors, to see their world through a different lens, and to share their story in a way that is both tangible and timeless. The process of shooting on film, developing the images, and holding the final print in their hands is a journey of discovery, reflection, and empowerment. It’s a way of honoring the past while creating something new.
We want this collaboration is about more than just the present; it’s about building a legacy together. The images captured and the stories told through the Ngarra project will stand the test of time, and Fujifilm will be credited as the enabler of this lasting impact. Your brand will be forever linked with a project that continues to inspire and drive change long after the final image is taken.
The photographs taken with Fujifilm equipment will not only be exhibited but will also become part of a growing visual archive that documents the journey of Ngarra and Earth Legacy. This archive will be a testament to the collaboration between a visionary project and a brand that understands the power of images to transform the world.
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how you can make a differnceHow Fujifilm Can Make a Difference: We would be honored to partner with Fujifilm in this journey of storytelling, cultural preservation, and empowerment. Here’s how your support can make a profound impact.
We seek your partnership in providing high-quality digital and film cameras for the youth we work with. These tools will enable them to explore their creativity, document their lives, and share their stories with the world. The tactile experience of shooting on film, coupled with the versatility of digital photography, will give them the skills and confidence to become storytellers in their own right.
Dig told me a story, showed me the ways, one that had been passed down through generations, about how the ancestors would gather, long before the memory of time. They would sit together, painting the walls of caves, of cliffs, etching in stone and wood. stories drawn in the sands —they were timeless, intended to transcend the fleeting moment and echo through eternity. These weren’t just pictures, not just symbols; they were stories meant to be shared, carried forward through the ages.
These creations are more than art; they are the living breath of the ancestors, carrying their wisdom and experiences forward. Each stroke of paint, each carving in stone, each song that came from a landscape reflected in the night sky of sky camp above us was a guide for all those who would come after. These stories were a way to ensure that their knowledge, their experiences, would live on. The cautionary tales of how to live, and how not to live. They were not just for those who made them; they were gifts to the future, a way to braid the fabric of time together, binding past, present, and future in a sacred dance. Making something truly timeless.
That is why we shoot not only on digital but on film, to embed that time place into an irreplaceable frame. That’s why we exhibit the work, it creates a profound connection between the viewer and the spirit captured within each frame. When these photographs, especially those shot on film, are displayed and you stand in front of them, you don’t only see it, you feel it. They carry with them the tangible essence of the moment, the heartbeat of the land, and the spirit of the people. Film photography, with its tactile process and depth, holds a unique power to touch the spirit of those who see it. The grain, the texture, the subtle imperfections—all serve as reminders of the raw, unfiltered reality of life. In the quiet spaces of an exhibition, these images speak directly to the viewer, transcending the boundaries of time and place, evoking empathy, understanding, and a deep sense of shared humanity. It is in these moments, standing before these works of art, that we can truly feel the pulse of the stories being told, and be moved to action, to change, and to connect with our own place, and come into that relation we all share – together as one.
Sitting by that campfire Dig drew in the dirt a series of symbols and stories, that laid out the path for ngarra to walk. How to be, how to do, how to share right story, and the impact that could have, if we do it right way.
My work had to be more than photographs, more than extracting from peoples stories. More than documenting them from an outsiders perspective. But to come into relation, to help them to share their stories, their way, with those ready to hear it. Thats what I needed to do. We had to find a way to bring those stories out of the shadows and into the light, share them with the world in a way that would honor the spirit of those who took them, and the spirit of the land they were taken on. He drew up the idea of ngarra in the dirt right there, and once done, wiped it away with his name print in the warm earth.
This understanding of timeless storytelling is what shapes Ngarra. Just as the ancestors shared their lives through paintings, carvings, and the songs written in the landscape, we share the stories of today through photographs, exhibitions, and artwork. It’s about creating a bridge between generations, allowing the voices of the past to guide the present and inspire the future. And in doing so, we honor the spirit of the land and the wisdom of those who came before, ensuring that their legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of all who experience it.
The path of Ngarra is winding, as all paths are. It follows a songline, a map of story drawn in the sand that night, as Dig sang us the song that would lead the way for everyone who comes into contact with this project. When you touch this, it changes you. And you feel it. Thats not me, thats him.
The images captured by these young artists are more than just photographs—they are windows into their world, their culture, their struggles, and their triumphs. With Fujifilm’s support, we can ensure that these images are printed with the highest quality, preserving the integrity and authenticity of their stories. These prints will be showcased in exhibitions around the world, where they will touch the hearts and minds of all who see them, creating a ripple effect of empathy, understanding, and connection.
Dig told me a story, showed me the ways, one that had been passed down through generations, about how the ancestors would gather, long before the memory of time. They would sit together, painting the walls of caves, of cliffs, etching in stone and wood. stories drawn in the sands —they were timeless, intended to transcend the fleeting moment and echo through eternity. These weren’t just pictures, not just symbols; they were stories meant to be shared, carried forward through the ages.
These creations are more than art; they are the living breath of the ancestors, carrying their wisdom and experiences forward. Each stroke of paint, each carving in stone, each song that came from a landscape reflected in the night sky of sky camp above us was a guide for all those who would come after. These stories were a way to ensure that their knowledge, their experiences, would live on. The cautionary tales of how to live, and how not to live. They were not just for those who made them; they were gifts to the future, a way to braid the fabric of time together, binding past, present, and future in a sacred dance. Making something truly timeless.
That is why we shoot not only on digital but on film, to embed that time place into an irreplaceable frame. That’s why we exhibit the work, it creates a profound connection between the viewer and the spirit captured within each frame. When these photographs, especially those shot on film, are displayed and you stand in front of them, you don’t only see it, you feel it. They carry with them the tangible essence of the moment, the heartbeat of the land, and the spirit of the people. Film photography, with its tactile process and depth, holds a unique power to touch the spirit of those who see it. The grain, the texture, the subtle imperfections—all serve as reminders of the raw, unfiltered reality of life. In the quiet spaces of an exhibition, these images speak directly to the viewer, transcending the boundaries of time and place, evoking empathy, understanding, and a deep sense of shared humanity. It is in these moments, standing before these works of art, that we can truly feel the pulse of the stories being told, and be moved to action, to change, and to connect with our own place, and come into that relation we all share – together as one.
Sitting by that campfire Dig drew in the dirt a series of symbols and stories, that laid out the path for ngarra to walk. How to be, how to do, how to share right story, and the impact that could have, if we do it right way.
My work had to be more than photographs, more than extracting from peoples stories. More than documenting them from an outsiders perspective. But to come into relation, to help them to share their stories, their way, with those ready to hear it. Thats what I needed to do. We had to find a way to bring those stories out of the shadows and into the light, share them with the world in a way that would honor the spirit of those who took them, and the spirit of the land they were taken on. He drew up the idea of ngarra in the dirt right there, and once done, wiped it away with his name print in the warm earth.
This understanding of timeless storytelling is what shapes Ngarra. Just as the ancestors shared their lives through paintings, carvings, and the songs written in the landscape, we share the stories of today through photographs, exhibitions, and artwork. It’s about creating a bridge between generations, allowing the voices of the past to guide the present and inspire the future. And in doing so, we honor the spirit of the land and the wisdom of those who came before, ensuring that their legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of all who experience it.
The path of Ngarra is winding, as all paths are. It follows a songline, a map of story drawn in the sand that night, as Dig sang us the song that would lead the way for everyone who comes into contact with this project. When you touch this, it changes you. And you feel it. Thats not me, thats him.
We envision a partnership where Fujifilm’s involvement is highlighted through collaborative content creation—documenting the process, the stories, and the impact of the project. This content can be shared across both Ngarra’s and Fujifilm’s platforms, showcasing the meaningful difference this partnership makes in the lives of young people and their communities. Together, we can inspire others to see the world through a different lens, to value the stories that might otherwise go unheard.
Dig told me a story, showed me the ways, one that had been passed down through generations, about how the ancestors would gather, long before the memory of time. They would sit together, painting the walls of caves, of cliffs, etching in stone and wood. stories drawn in the sands —they were timeless, intended to transcend the fleeting moment and echo through eternity. These weren’t just pictures, not just symbols; they were stories meant to be shared, carried forward through the ages.
These creations are more than art; they are the living breath of the ancestors, carrying their wisdom and experiences forward. Each stroke of paint, each carving in stone, each song that came from a landscape reflected in the night sky of sky camp above us was a guide for all those who would come after. These stories were a way to ensure that their knowledge, their experiences, would live on. The cautionary tales of how to live, and how not to live. They were not just for those who made them; they were gifts to the future, a way to braid the fabric of time together, binding past, present, and future in a sacred dance. Making something truly timeless.
That is why we shoot not only on digital but on film, to embed that time place into an irreplaceable frame. That’s why we exhibit the work, it creates a profound connection between the viewer and the spirit captured within each frame. When these photographs, especially those shot on film, are displayed and you stand in front of them, you don’t only see it, you feel it. They carry with them the tangible essence of the moment, the heartbeat of the land, and the spirit of the people. Film photography, with its tactile process and depth, holds a unique power to touch the spirit of those who see it. The grain, the texture, the subtle imperfections—all serve as reminders of the raw, unfiltered reality of life. In the quiet spaces of an exhibition, these images speak directly to the viewer, transcending the boundaries of time and place, evoking empathy, understanding, and a deep sense of shared humanity. It is in these moments, standing before these works of art, that we can truly feel the pulse of the stories being told, and be moved to action, to change, and to connect with our own place, and come into that relation we all share – together as one.
Sitting by that campfire Dig drew in the dirt a series of symbols and stories, that laid out the path for ngarra to walk. How to be, how to do, how to share right story, and the impact that could have, if we do it right way.
My work had to be more than photographs, more than extracting from peoples stories. More than documenting them from an outsiders perspective. But to come into relation, to help them to share their stories, their way, with those ready to hear it. Thats what I needed to do. We had to find a way to bring those stories out of the shadows and into the light, share them with the world in a way that would honor the spirit of those who took them, and the spirit of the land they were taken on. He drew up the idea of ngarra in the dirt right there, and once done, wiped it away with his name print in the warm earth.
This understanding of timeless storytelling is what shapes Ngarra. Just as the ancestors shared their lives through paintings, carvings, and the songs written in the landscape, we share the stories of today through photographs, exhibitions, and artwork. It’s about creating a bridge between generations, allowing the voices of the past to guide the present and inspire the future. And in doing so, we honor the spirit of the land and the wisdom of those who came before, ensuring that their legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of all who experience it.
The path of Ngarra is winding, as all paths are. It follows a songline, a map of story drawn in the sand that night, as Dig sang us the song that would lead the way for everyone who comes into contact with this project. When you touch this, it changes you. And you feel it. Thats not me, thats him.
Partnering with Ngarra offers Fuji Film significant benefits. Your brand will receive visibility through our exhibitions, media coverage, and online content. This partnership demonstrates your commitment to cultural preservation and social impact. It’s an opportunity to showcase Fuji Film’s dedication to both innovation and tradition. Imagine your brand being associated with impactful storytelling and positive global change.
We seek your partnership in providing high-quality digital and film cameras for the youth we work with. These tools will enable them to explore their creativity, document their lives, and share their stories with the world. The tactile experience of shooting on film, coupled with the versatility of digital photography, will give them the skills and confidence to become storytellers in their own right.
Dig told me a story, showed me the ways, one that had been passed down through generations, about how the ancestors would gather, long before the memory of time. They would sit together, painting the walls of caves, of cliffs, etching in stone and wood. stories drawn in the sands —they were timeless, intended to transcend the fleeting moment and echo through eternity. These weren’t just pictures, not just symbols; they were stories meant to be shared, carried forward through the ages.
These creations are more than art; they are the living breath of the ancestors, carrying their wisdom and experiences forward. Each stroke of paint, each carving in stone, each song that came from a landscape reflected in the night sky of sky camp above us was a guide for all those who would come after. These stories were a way to ensure that their knowledge, their experiences, would live on. The cautionary tales of how to live, and how not to live. They were not just for those who made them; they were gifts to the future, a way to braid the fabric of time together, binding past, present, and future in a sacred dance. Making something truly timeless.
That is why we shoot not only on digital but on film, to embed that time place into an irreplaceable frame. That’s why we exhibit the work, it creates a profound connection between the viewer and the spirit captured within each frame. When these photographs, especially those shot on film, are displayed and you stand in front of them, you don’t only see it, you feel it. They carry with them the tangible essence of the moment, the heartbeat of the land, and the spirit of the people. Film photography, with its tactile process and depth, holds a unique power to touch the spirit of those who see it. The grain, the texture, the subtle imperfections—all serve as reminders of the raw, unfiltered reality of life. In the quiet spaces of an exhibition, these images speak directly to the viewer, transcending the boundaries of time and place, evoking empathy, understanding, and a deep sense of shared humanity. It is in these moments, standing before these works of art, that we can truly feel the pulse of the stories being told, and be moved to action, to change, and to connect with our own place, and come into that relation we all share – together as one.
Sitting by that campfire Dig drew in the dirt a series of symbols and stories, that laid out the path for ngarra to walk. How to be, how to do, how to share right story, and the impact that could have, if we do it right way.
My work had to be more than photographs, more than extracting from peoples stories. More than documenting them from an outsiders perspective. But to come into relation, to help them to share their stories, their way, with those ready to hear it. Thats what I needed to do. We had to find a way to bring those stories out of the shadows and into the light, share them with the world in a way that would honor the spirit of those who took them, and the spirit of the land they were taken on. He drew up the idea of ngarra in the dirt right there, and once done, wiped it away with his name print in the warm earth.
This understanding of timeless storytelling is what shapes Ngarra. Just as the ancestors shared their lives through paintings, carvings, and the songs written in the landscape, we share the stories of today through photographs, exhibitions, and artwork. It’s about creating a bridge between generations, allowing the voices of the past to guide the present and inspire the future. And in doing so, we honor the spirit of the land and the wisdom of those who came before, ensuring that their legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of all who experience it.
The path of Ngarra is winding, as all paths are. It follows a songline, a map of story drawn in the sand that night, as Dig sang us the song that would lead the way for everyone who comes into contact with this project. When you touch this, it changes you. And you feel it. Thats not me, thats him.
The images captured by these young artists are more than just photographs—they are windows into their world, their culture, their struggles, and their triumphs. With Fujifilm’s support, we can ensure that these images are printed with the highest quality, preserving the integrity and authenticity of their stories. These prints will be showcased in exhibitions around the world, where they will touch the hearts and minds of all who see them, creating a ripple effect of empathy, understanding, and connection.
Dig told me a story, showed me the ways, one that had been passed down through generations, about how the ancestors would gather, long before the memory of time. They would sit together, painting the walls of caves, of cliffs, etching in stone and wood. stories drawn in the sands —they were timeless, intended to transcend the fleeting moment and echo through eternity. These weren’t just pictures, not just symbols; they were stories meant to be shared, carried forward through the ages.
These creations are more than art; they are the living breath of the ancestors, carrying their wisdom and experiences forward. Each stroke of paint, each carving in stone, each song that came from a landscape reflected in the night sky of sky camp above us was a guide for all those who would come after. These stories were a way to ensure that their knowledge, their experiences, would live on. The cautionary tales of how to live, and how not to live. They were not just for those who made them; they were gifts to the future, a way to braid the fabric of time together, binding past, present, and future in a sacred dance. Making something truly timeless.
That is why we shoot not only on digital but on film, to embed that time place into an irreplaceable frame. That’s why we exhibit the work, it creates a profound connection between the viewer and the spirit captured within each frame. When these photographs, especially those shot on film, are displayed and you stand in front of them, you don’t only see it, you feel it. They carry with them the tangible essence of the moment, the heartbeat of the land, and the spirit of the people. Film photography, with its tactile process and depth, holds a unique power to touch the spirit of those who see it. The grain, the texture, the subtle imperfections—all serve as reminders of the raw, unfiltered reality of life. In the quiet spaces of an exhibition, these images speak directly to the viewer, transcending the boundaries of time and place, evoking empathy, understanding, and a deep sense of shared humanity. It is in these moments, standing before these works of art, that we can truly feel the pulse of the stories being told, and be moved to action, to change, and to connect with our own place, and come into that relation we all share – together as one.
Sitting by that campfire Dig drew in the dirt a series of symbols and stories, that laid out the path for ngarra to walk. How to be, how to do, how to share right story, and the impact that could have, if we do it right way.
My work had to be more than photographs, more than extracting from peoples stories. More than documenting them from an outsiders perspective. But to come into relation, to help them to share their stories, their way, with those ready to hear it. Thats what I needed to do. We had to find a way to bring those stories out of the shadows and into the light, share them with the world in a way that would honor the spirit of those who took them, and the spirit of the land they were taken on. He drew up the idea of ngarra in the dirt right there, and once done, wiped it away with his name print in the warm earth.
This understanding of timeless storytelling is what shapes Ngarra. Just as the ancestors shared their lives through paintings, carvings, and the songs written in the landscape, we share the stories of today through photographs, exhibitions, and artwork. It’s about creating a bridge between generations, allowing the voices of the past to guide the present and inspire the future. And in doing so, we honor the spirit of the land and the wisdom of those who came before, ensuring that their legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of all who experience it.
The path of Ngarra is winding, as all paths are. It follows a songline, a map of story drawn in the sand that night, as Dig sang us the song that would lead the way for everyone who comes into contact with this project. When you touch this, it changes you. And you feel it. Thats not me, thats him.
We envision a partnership where Fujifilm’s involvement is highlighted through collaborative content creation—documenting the process, the stories, and the impact of the project. This content can be shared across both Ngarra’s and Fujifilm’s platforms, showcasing the meaningful difference this partnership makes in the lives of young people and their communities. Together, we can inspire others to see the world through a different lens, to value the stories that might otherwise go unheard.
Dig told me a story, showed me the ways, one that had been passed down through generations, about how the ancestors would gather, long before the memory of time. They would sit together, painting the walls of caves, of cliffs, etching in stone and wood. stories drawn in the sands —they were timeless, intended to transcend the fleeting moment and echo through eternity. These weren’t just pictures, not just symbols; they were stories meant to be shared, carried forward through the ages.
These creations are more than art; they are the living breath of the ancestors, carrying their wisdom and experiences forward. Each stroke of paint, each carving in stone, each song that came from a landscape reflected in the night sky of sky camp above us was a guide for all those who would come after. These stories were a way to ensure that their knowledge, their experiences, would live on. The cautionary tales of how to live, and how not to live. They were not just for those who made them; they were gifts to the future, a way to braid the fabric of time together, binding past, present, and future in a sacred dance. Making something truly timeless.
That is why we shoot not only on digital but on film, to embed that time place into an irreplaceable frame. That’s why we exhibit the work, it creates a profound connection between the viewer and the spirit captured within each frame. When these photographs, especially those shot on film, are displayed and you stand in front of them, you don’t only see it, you feel it. They carry with them the tangible essence of the moment, the heartbeat of the land, and the spirit of the people. Film photography, with its tactile process and depth, holds a unique power to touch the spirit of those who see it. The grain, the texture, the subtle imperfections—all serve as reminders of the raw, unfiltered reality of life. In the quiet spaces of an exhibition, these images speak directly to the viewer, transcending the boundaries of time and place, evoking empathy, understanding, and a deep sense of shared humanity. It is in these moments, standing before these works of art, that we can truly feel the pulse of the stories being told, and be moved to action, to change, and to connect with our own place, and come into that relation we all share – together as one.
Sitting by that campfire Dig drew in the dirt a series of symbols and stories, that laid out the path for ngarra to walk. How to be, how to do, how to share right story, and the impact that could have, if we do it right way.
My work had to be more than photographs, more than extracting from peoples stories. More than documenting them from an outsiders perspective. But to come into relation, to help them to share their stories, their way, with those ready to hear it. Thats what I needed to do. We had to find a way to bring those stories out of the shadows and into the light, share them with the world in a way that would honor the spirit of those who took them, and the spirit of the land they were taken on. He drew up the idea of ngarra in the dirt right there, and once done, wiped it away with his name print in the warm earth.
This understanding of timeless storytelling is what shapes Ngarra. Just as the ancestors shared their lives through paintings, carvings, and the songs written in the landscape, we share the stories of today through photographs, exhibitions, and artwork. It’s about creating a bridge between generations, allowing the voices of the past to guide the present and inspire the future. And in doing so, we honor the spirit of the land and the wisdom of those who came before, ensuring that their legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of all who experience it.
The path of Ngarra is winding, as all paths are. It follows a songline, a map of story drawn in the sand that night, as Dig sang us the song that would lead the way for everyone who comes into contact with this project. When you touch this, it changes you. And you feel it. Thats not me, thats him.
With Fujifilm by our side, we can take the Ngarra project to new heights. Together, we can empower young people to see the beauty and strength in their own culture, to share their stories with the world, and to create lasting change in their communities. Your support will not only provide the tools they need but will also give them the confidence to step into their roles as storytellers, as custodians of their culture, and as leaders of tomorrow.
I would be delighted to discuss this partnership further and explore how we can work together to make a lasting impact. Thank you for considering this proposal, and I look forward to the possibility of partnering with Fujifilm to empower the next generation of storytellers.
Thank you for considering this partnership with Ngarra. Your support can make a profound difference in preserving and sharing stories that matter. Together, we can honor traditions, inspire the next generation, and create lasting change. I look forward to the opportunity to work with Fuji Film and to making this vision a reality. Thank you.
NGARRA’s Uganda Village project is a community-based initiative aimed at empowering youth in a remote village in Uganda through the transformative power of photography and storytelling.