DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT

I’ve always taken a keen interest in creativity, design and innovation as well as the diverse cultures that exist around the world. The satisfaction of solving problems and overcoming challenges through creativity is inherent in me. Being in video production for the majority of my working life, all these principles and elements come into play to some capacity to produce an effective body of work.

I’ve been very fortunate that my profession allows me to see others do the same in their work and learn about how they want to produce solutions to issues they are passionate about. The Wheels of Wonder was conceived out of an invitation I was given to create promotional photography and video material for Playground Ideas Loose Parts Play Carts project in Beirut. I was immediately drawn to the story unfolding in front of me and with permission from Playground Ideas I was given the green light to create this documentary. Sometimes the story finds you and you just have to embrace it and go for the ride!

Shooting and editing this film was very much a visceral process. Most of the time I trusted my gut to follow the story, whilst trying to keep it engaging and interesting for someone who might be less invested in the project as I was. This is the first long-form documentary I have directed, born out of my own ambition and initiative to use this opportunity to capture and share an incredible story.

This film is truly a labour of love and hopefully it allows people to see how potential solutions can be reached from creative angles. There are always things to be intrigued by throughout the narrative, and I hope the audience is as fascinated as I was to discover the importance and inherent benefits of play, no matter the child's background or where they are in the world.

- Roger Ungers, Director