I work in London and im one of ‘those people’ who always intended on taking a gap year but seemed to be offered things I didn’t feel that I could turn down. I was offered my dream place at Film school after 6th form so decided id go and then catch up on my travels after Uni, switch to 3 years later and an opportunity to work for Ridley Scott comes up so Soph (that would be me – hello) takes it thinking, there will be time in the future, I cant turn this down. I’ll let you into a truth, I’m 24 and im still waiting…..

Ive been working in the film industry for 3 years now and let me tell you, as glamorous as you think it is, as famous as people can be, NOTHING compares to the early morning walk in the shallows of a Thai beach or the moment you visit an Indian orphanage and are greeted by the toothless bright eyed 4 year olds who pull at your blonde hair as if you are an alien.

Traveling is the best feeling in the world and worth a thousand music videos, London lattes or ‘sex in the city’ lifestyle so many think is the ultimate goal. Let me tell you from my dreams and soul what the perfect life experience will be……

Firstly switch the grubby stuffy tube ride with a quick jump up into the back of a pick up truck and drive me through the bumpy roads off the beaten track. Throw away the Mulberry bag and skinny jeggins – yes jean/leggings, I mean come on how stupid are fashion labels getting; give me some safari shorts, a grubby vest top and a slight red sunburnt nose which will ultimately begin to peel and appear to some as if I have a bogey. Straightners – no thanks we’re real in this dream and don’t have time to pamper, a hair bobble is a treat in this situation and the scraped up pony is essential.
Get ready girls were off to the back villages of Africa and were taking a truck kitted out with a portable cinema for the isolated communities to watch.

Day one is a stop in the Transkei of South Africa, we park in a dusty square of a central village and power up the on board generator. First up in the day is Sesame street and Disney, entertaining, partly educational material for the younger children to watch giving time for the adults to perform their own tasks whilst the children are being occupied. Films will play throughout the day and will vary from entertainment to education. Adult focused footage such as Aids/Infection/Water safety awareness short films will be played at various times as well as movies made by African directors to Hollywood releases.

I would love to spend a day in each village giving locals an opportunity to see things we take for granted. This project will allow villagers to experience a break as well as giving an opportunity for African directors to showcase their work.
Day two takes us to Sowerto, day 3 Durban, we travel as far as the petrol will take us crossing borders in both territory and culture.

My ideal traveling experience would be using my film knowledge and experience to connect with people and create awareness. Id gladly swap my Mac for a mossy net, my heals for shower in a bag (a handy yet bizarre wet cloth used on many a sweaty train ride), my London high life for an African real life.

Id love experience to create experience and travel to create progression.

• Films