The traditional Mennonite communities of Belize very rarely make the news because, being very conservative, they keep to themselves and rarely allow cameras into their settlements. But, one photojournalist has gotten a rare opportunity to do a photo-documentary on the community of Springfield, just outside of Belmopan. He's sharing it in an exhibit at the Image Art Factory, today he discussed with the media what was his vision behind it:
Norris Hall - Photojournalist
"Springfield is a small Amish Mennonite settlement about 50 minutes drive from Belmopan. It was established about 17 years ago and it is one of seven Amish settlements in Belize. The idea for this exhibition came when my wife and I, along with other friends, went out to Springfield around the middle of 2011 to buy plants. I was looking for organic fruit trees. When I was out there I got the idea to do a documentary on the Amish Mennonites. I found myself in a dilemma where I wanted to respect their not wanting to be photographed but I also found myself, as a photo journalist, having the responsibility to document life in all its pursuits. I tried all different methods. One day I went with my camera and I volunteered to go into the fields with them and I was actually doing manual labour. I was harvesting tomatoes along with them and transporting them back to the village. I had my camera around my neck and even then when I was trying to grab some shots I was rebuked, they refused. Eventually I was able to persuade them about what I was doing and gradually some of them came around - not all of them.
I want my viewers to see and become aware of a lifestyle that is certainly very simple, certainly not sophisticated. As a matter of fact, it was beyond being simple; it is basic. To capture the lifestyle of the Amish Mennonites as a very simple folk living a virtual existential lifestyle and at the same time not endorsing materialism"
The Exhibit opens up to the public on Friday, April 19, at 6 p.m.
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