Yimba
A Short Documentary by Emily Rastas & Craig Reasons
Funding Proposal
1. Project Summary
Title: YIMBA
Filmmakers: Emily Rastas & Craig Reasons
Location: Uganda — filming primarily in Kampala
Filming Dates: Late August – Early September 2025
Duration: Approx. 15–30 minutes
Logline:
A short documentary following Australian designer Emily Rastas as she brings her sustainable fashion practice, Emipeli, to Uganda — empowering fashion students at local charity Yimba through creativity, upcycling, and design activism.
Synopsis:
This visually rich documentary captures a cross-cultural exchange of sustainable fashion practices. Set in Uganda, the film follows Emily as she collaborates with students and staff at Yimba, introducing them to Emipeli’s design philosophy rooted in slow fashion, joy, and community. Through intimate interviews, hands-on workshops, and vibrant storytelling, the documentary celebrates resilience, artistry, and the power of ethical design. Audiences will witness how creativity can transform not only garments but lives, offering new perspectives on sustainability and global solidarity.
2. Objectives & Impact
• Empower local students with accessible, sustainable fashion techniques.
• Celebrate cultural exchange between Australian and Ugandan fashion communities.
• Highlight the global relevance of upcycling and slow fashion in education.
• Create an inspiring resource for fashion educators, students, and sustainability advocates worldwide.
• Raise awareness of the work of Yimba and promote future collaborations.
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Lead Artist and Educator
Finnish-Australian designer and artist behind Emipeli Design. Emily’s background includes fashion at RMIT, costume design, and immersive art installations. She’s known for her work in education, sustainable fashion, prosthetic sculpture, costume and visual art. Her practice emphasizes storytelling through wearable art, encouraging self-expression and environmental responsibility.
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Film Maker
An award-winning filmmaker from Australia, Craig studied Fine Arts Photography at university and has developed into a proficient and creative cinematographer. Directing opportunities have followed through a combination of dedication and timing—essential qualities in the life of a solo filmmaker, where the skill set must constantly adapt. Craig’s body of work includes a diverse range of music videos, short narrative films, and documentaries. With a strong interest in community-driven storytelling, they are particularly passionate about projects that address environmental issues.
4. Visual Style & Structure
Tone: Joyful, intimate, and immersive
Visuals:
• Bright, textured footage capturing the vibrancy of Ugandan life
• Handheld shots emphasizing human connection and tactile detail
• Close-ups of textile work and design processes
Structure:
• Introduction to Emily and the philosophy behind Emipeli Design
• Arrival in Uganda and building rapport with Yimba and its students
• Workshop sessions showcasing sustainable techniques and creative exchange
• Personal reflections from Emily, students, and staff on sustainability, creativity, and community impact
• Closing with student showcases, outcomes, and future aspirations
5. Budget Overview
Funds will be used for:
• Preparation / preproduction
• Airfares and local travel for 2 people
• Accommodation and meals during filming
• Hiring local production support and translators as needed
• Equipment rental for high-quality visuals and sound
• Post-production editing, sound mixing, and colour grading
• Creating promotional materials for festival submissions and online release
6. Distribution & Audience
We aim to distribute this film via:
• Australian and international film festivals
• Online platforms such as YouTube, Vimeo, and educational streaming services
• Screenings in collaboration with Yimba and fashion schools in both Uganda and Australia
• Social media networks connected to sustainability, design, and global education
Target Audience:
• Fashion educators and students
• Sustainability and slow fashion advocates
• Documentary film audiences interested in cultural exchange and social impact
• Creative communities passionate about art as activism
Budget
$33,550
Next Steps
We’re currently seeking funding partners to bring this meaningful project to life. We would love to discuss potential collaborations, co-productions, or funding opportunities.
For more information or to arrange an in person or online meeting please email emily@emipelidesign.com
Amount raised
$5,000
