The mission of the 14 Days Project is to provide a greater awareness of the global community through the unique marriage of extraordinary film and photography; allowing everybody to develop their own ideas for creating lasting and meaningful change. Building a bridge to the world around us by listening to others tell their own story. The result. Connection. Connection of people from around the world, all over the world, and forever.

History

The 14 Days Project began its life in the winter of 2001 and was formally launched in the summer of 2002. Originally written and conceived as the Face of Freedom project, it became the life's work of its creator David William Gibbons. Now five years later it is better and more commonly known as the 14 Days Project. Gibbons spent days in the aftermath of September 11 2001 exploring the vision and dynamics of a journey that would take him and others around the world through different countries and across continents. In the five years since its inception it has taken him and many others through a diverse set of life changing experiences. Beyond achieving the key objective of recording people's lives through the dynamics and symmetry of photography and film, it has opened up a never ending passion in pursuing the principles and single notion of changing people's lives for the better; improving them in their own way step by step. Gibbons from the early years decided to make education intrinsic to the heart of the project. The initial pilot journeys have therefore seen a significant participation of students at university level immerse themselves in the production. Throughout this period many universities and government organizations have become involved in supporting the project. This insight to the vision of the project and realities of production life has realized benefits for many of the individuals and organizations involved in this process. The educational space is now identified as a firm target for the materials produced with opportunities for high school onwards. In this area training and teaching activities will encompass interviews and portraits developed during the productions and incorporate them into manuals, tutorials and coursework for varied levels of education. Disciplines engaged in Anthropology, Sociology and the humanities will benefit particularly from the coursework. The second documentary film 14 Days in Great Britain has become a landmark for the project to date and offers a strong visual and narrative storyline. This filmic piece develops further the premise of a long-term project seeking the very best in human interaction and understanding.

Also see Creative Conclusions, Gibbons - 2004
Project definitions and thoughts written by Gibbons

Frequently Asked Questions

In loving memory - Ben Pritchard

We are so very sad to announce that our beloved friend and colleague Ben Pritchard left us recently. Farewell to a dear and sweet man who touched our lives so deeply. Our heartfelt condolences goes out to his family and friends. His passing is not his end; he lives on in all our hearts and will always be an extraordinary part of this project called 14 Days.

This wonderful project and its beautiful imagery both in stills and film is dedicated to Ben who was intrinsic to its success. We had the honor of spending time with you but it was not nearly enough.

"Your brilliance and passion for life will be missed by us all"

David William Gibbons, Richard Knapp, Dana Hursey - June 2007

Memorial for Ben Pritchard

We recognize the effort and travail that creating worthwhile films requires; we recognize the talent and hard work that characterized Ben Pritchard. Through unsurpassed dedication and effort, Ben earned the respect of everyone with whom he worked. Though he traveled the road fame and fortune for only a short time, the promise of this young, energetic, and talented man was clear to all who knew him. Ben’s contribution to the two 14 Days documentaries is etched in the memories of everyone who worked with him. As a colleague of ours in the Mad Brit film organization, we honor him.

We celebrate his life,
Donn Finn, Rocky Lang, and Sam Smiley

NEWS - March 2007 (more... )

Currently in production. A promotion documentary, "14 Days - The Human Bridge" (Working Title only) is to be produced on the Mexico/US Border during March 2007. This is to be produced ahead of a full documentary production scheduled for June 2007. From the position of a production model, it is a unique piece of filming making ahead of a full 70-minute program and companion feature length theatrical documentary, "14 Days" has numerous groundbreaking elements in its development and production.

To My Lillie

To be awaken and find
The sunrise in your eyes
Sets me off to new heights
I've never known
A love so true
To be with you, in sweet solitude.

Your David Forever.