MERAKI

Directors:

Writers:

Robert Edmonds

Producers:

Robert Edmonds

Run Time:

1:02:00

Awarded for the following Category(s):

Awarded Category(s)

Meraki: To do something with creativity and love

In the face of overwhelming odds and financial constraints, Keith Oliver, an ordinary individual with an extraordinary dream, embarks on an epic journey of determination and resilience. Driven by an unwavering passion, he dedicate countless hours to constructing a 19ft boat within the confines of a makeshift tent, defying scepticism, and doubters at every turn.

As the project progresses of a 24month period and the seasons pass, setbacks and challenges threaten to derail his ambitious endeavour. The burden of inflation, cost of living crisis and dwindling funds casts a shadow of doubt, pushing the dream of sailing across the Atlantic seemingly out of reach. Yet, fuelled by sheer perseverance and a refusal to succumb to adversity, Keith digs deep and presses on, finding inspiration in the face of adversity.

With each setback overcome and every obstacle conquered, Meraki takes shape as a testament to the indomitable human spirit. Finally, against all odds, the day arrives when Keith, an everyman sets sail into the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. Through storms and calms, highs, and lows, he navigates the unforgiving waters with courage and determination, drawing strength from the journey itself.

As the distant shores of Antigua come into view, Keith realises that the true measure of his journey lies not only in reaching the destination but in the profound transformation that occurred along the way.

His story is of triumph over adversity, of chasing dreams against all odds, and of the extraordinary power that lies within the human spirit to defy impossibility and conquer the unknown.

This is Keith’s journey.

Submitter Statement

Personally, I feel privileged, and as a very passionate creative I LOVED creating this feature-length film over the past 2.5 years. Spending the time delving into the main character, discovering the unfolding story, knowing when to push and when to hold back and let the action, emotions, and friendships unfold through the lens. From a pure storytelling viewpoint what this allowed me to do is let the story breathe in places, hopefully drawing the audience into the story and rooting for the everyman to follow his dream.

This is a story of triumph over adversity, of chasing dreams against all odds, and of the extraordinary power that lies within the human spirit to defy impossibility and conquer the unknown - like running an agency.

I hope that people will be inspired by Keith's story and follow their own dreams for the future.

I am a Producer / Director / Editor. I started my career working in broadcast television, editing and directing primetime TV shows, Big drama documentary set pieces, editing 100’s of hours of documentaries for all the major broadcasters.

After 15 years an opportunity to run part of a big London agency presented itself and I jumped at the chance. He worked on major accounts for HSBC, RBS, NATWEST, PEUGEOT, CITROEN, HONDA, JOHN LEWIS, WAITROSE and other blue chip clients and charities, creating more award winning films. Amongst his accolades, Rob has won an Evcom award for a charity film in 2015, an RTS award in 2014 for a short drama and a TV series that Rob was instrumental in producing was nominated for several BAFTA’s.

The realisation of how much he enjoyed working with the commercial sector and using his storytelling, creative and communication skills to really bring brands stories to life, led to him setting up NRG Digital. In it's first year it was nominated for a BAFTA for a film for Exeter Cathedral.

It’s this experience that is the drive behind our mission to create the most insightful, creative and collaborative experience possible for our clients.

Key Cast

Keith Oliver

Other Credits