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Zara Balfour
- Location:
- United Kingdom
- Languages:
- English, French, Spanish
- Issues:
- Climate Change, Disability Rights, LGBTQIA+, Child Welfare, Education, Racial Injustice, Gun Violence, Hunger/Food insecurity, Mass Incarceration & Criminal Justice Reform, Refugee Crisis and Immigration, Economic Injustice, Privacy and Surveillance, Technology & Data, Labor issues, Voting Rights, Women and Girls, Aging, Animal Welfare, Gender violence , Human Rights
- Expertise:
- Educational materials, Impact Producing, Consulting, Impact Strategist/Advisor, Campaign Implementation, Crafting Classroom Materials, Designing impact guides, Alternative Distribution, Mentorship, Impact evaluation
- Cultural/racial identity:
- White British
- Self identification:
- Female
Bio
Zara Balfour is an award-winning director, producer, writer and impact producer. She has been featured on BBC Woman’s Hour and BBC World, is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, a BAFTA and BIFA voter, and has lectured on cinema and human rights advocacy. Zara often focuses on human stories, social issues, and adventurous journeys. One of her notable works is the feature documentary "Children of the Snow Land," which she directed, produced, and impact produced. This film follows the journey of Nepalese children returning to their remote Himalayan homes after spending years in a boarding school in the capital city of Kathmandu. The film earned acclaim, celebrity support, and numerous awards, including the BIFA Raindance Discovery Award 2019, nominations at the Grierson Awards and Screen Awards, longlist for Impact at One World Media Awards 2020 and 20 film festival awards. Theatrical release brought 60 UK cinema screenings and VOD with Curzon. TV Broadcasts include Arte, BBC World and NHK. The profound impact of 'Children of the Snow Land' led Zara to establish non-profit organisation Snowland Journeys CIC, which supports Nepalese children to reintegrate with their families after many years of separation, with Dame Joanna Lumley serving as patron. Zara has also made short documentaries in over 20 countries, featuring community projects in developing countries and world events such as the aftermath of the earthquake in western China, the consequences of the tsunami in north-east Japan, educating street children in Mumbai, and documenting outstanding women supporting community projects in Africa. Zara's work is characterised by its deep human interest, immersive storytelling, and the ability to shed light on unique and often overlooked narratives. Zara also holds a certificate in wilderness therapeutic interventions, which she uses in her work with young people in Nepal as well as on nature connection retreats.
