CHAT SESSION 97 with Nathan Woods
Topic- "Turning Grief into Motivation"
Monday 3rd March 2025 1-2pm https://rppfm.com.au
Podcast 🎧 https://megaphone.link/LCRUI5982837930
Nathan felt a profound sense of loss when his close friend and mentor, David “Redro Redriguez” Whip, succumbed to cancer in April 2024; their bond was forged through shared experiences and invaluable life lessons, making his passing a heart-wrenching moment that left an irreplaceable void in Nathan's life.
In May 2024, just a month after David "Redro Redriguez" Whip's passing, Nathan appeared as a guest on ‘The Daily Mirror,’ where he candidly shared his personal journey and reflected on the profound impact Red had on his life, emphasizing the importance of cherishing relationships and honouring the legacy of those we've lost.
What most people didn’t know was that Nathan devoted many days to the palliative care unit with Red, meticulously documenting their shared moments together; these heartfelt records served not only as a tribute to Red's incredible life but also as a testament to their unbreakable bond, capturing the essence of friendship in the face of adversity. The video footage documented was creatively made into a compelling short film, a poignant 30-minute documentary that beautifully honoured Reds' legacy, incorporating intimate moments from their time together in the palliative care unit, heartfelt interviews, and reflections on Reds' impact on the lives of those around him, ultimately showcasing the strength of friendship and the enduring mark one person can leave on many.
It’s been 11 months since the passing of Nathan's friend and mentor, Red, and during that time, Nathan grappled with self-doubt, feeling undeserving of his identity as a filmmaker. Nathan acknowledges that the reality of his grief over Red's passing only begun to surface in the last few months, as he had previously suppressed his emotions, perhaps as a coping mechanism. However, the recent signing of a deal with SBS has not only validated his journey but also reignited his belief in himself, allowing him to honour Red’s memory and the lessons learned through their friendship while stepping confidently into the next chapter of his career. Now, as he embarks on his filmmaking journey and reflects on their shared experiences, he is gradually allowing himself to process the loss, realizing that embracing this grief is an essential part of honouring Red's legacy and moving forward in his own life.
On a personal note, what people don’t know is for many years Nathan was extremely unwell. His prolonged illness significantly impacted his life and those around him, shaping his experiences and relationships. Despite the challenges, his resilience and the support from those who believed in him became crucial sources of strength, helping him navigate the difficulties he faced along the way. Nathan reflects on how Red’s unwavering belief in him during his own struggles provided a profound sense of purpose that shaped his journey as a filmmaker. Red's legacy of empathy and dedication to giving people a voice deeply influenced Nathan's desire to help others, a commitment that blossomed not only after Red's passing but also during their time together. He feels that their meeting was fate, a pivotal connection that inspired him to carry forward the values Red embodied throughout his life.
During his last visit to RPPFM, Nathan struggled with self-doubt, feeling uncertain about his abilities and potential as a filmmaker. This lack of belief clouded his confidence, making it difficult for him to fully embrace his creative aspirations. Nathan's recent achievement of signing a deal with SBS has not only validated his journey as a filmmaker but also sparked a newfound confidence in his craft. With people now recognizing his work and reaching out to him, he finally feels that he has earned his stripes, helping him to embrace his passion and purpose with a renewed sense of fulfillment.
In the second half of 2024 Nathan collaborated with Simon from 'SAVE THE BEES' on their documentary 'LAWFARE,'. The focus has shifted dramatically from the initial narrative of a simple beekeeper to something more complex and controversial. Watch this space and the trailor, ‘LAWFARE’ by NathFilms
During his guest appearance at RPPFM in 2024, Nathan was actively seeking an artist to feature in an upcoming film when he unexpectedly stumbled upon Burmese-Australian artist, Shân Primrose, who was right there in front of him. Nathan eagerly began collaborating with Shân hopeful that the documentary will not only celebrate her talent but also highlight the significance of Indigenous voices in contemporary art.
Driven by the belief that cinema has the power to evoke deep emotional responses, Nathan is committed to crafting films that reflect the complexities of the human experience. He aims to challenge audiences by exploring not only the joyful moments but also the struggles and controversies that define life’s journey. By presenting raw, authentic narratives, Nathan hopes to encourage viewers to introspect and foster empathy, ultimately inspiring a broader understanding of the diverse stories that shape our world.
On April 12th, 2025, Nathan will host a 'Rock for Redro' gathering in partnership with Paul and Beth, business owners of 'SoundBar' in Capel Sound. This exciting event will feature live performances from various bands and a special live screening of an exclusive concert by Redro Redriguez & His Inner Demons, making it a unique opportunity for fans to celebrate the music and legacy of Redro in a vibrant community atmosphere.
Purchase Tickets Rock for Redro
Follow NathanFilms to find out more about upcoming projects
My hope is that when you’re looking at yourself in the
‘The Daily Mirror’
YOU SMILE
EMBRACE BEING YOU
AND FIND 10 MINUTES IN YOUR DAY TO NOURISH YOUR SOUL!
To get in touch with Cathy email smileinthedailymirror@gmail.com
'The Daily Mirror' acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Custodians of the land and acknowledges and pays respect to their Elders, past and present.
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