Barika Rising Crowd Funding Campaign

Queenstown filmmaker’s dreams becomes a reality as his crowd funding campaign receives overwhelming support

Queenstown, New Zealand — September 9, 2025

Queenstown filmmaker, James Holman, launched a Boosted Campaign on September 7, in the hope to raise enough money to cover costs to complete Barika Rising, a documentary capturing the construction of the world’s first concrete skatepark inside a refugee camp — a project bringing hope and healing to displaced children and their community in Iraq.

Holman has been working on the film for six months and is now in the final stages of filming and editing. “We began filming in May this year and have one final round of filming scheduled for early October to complete key interviews and follow up on the park post-completion,” Holman says.

“I launched a crowd funding campaign to cover some of the costs of the project and have been blown away by the support. I’m truly thankful and so grateful to many friends and colleagues for donating and for the many anonymous donations.”

The campaign has raised 100% of its all or nothing goal - NZ$3,233, in just three days and an additional stretch target has been set to further offset the costs of the project.

Barika Rising offers an intimate look at life inside the camp and the power of skateboarding to foster resilience, joy, and connection in one of the world’s most challenging environments. Through observational storytelling and expert testimony, the film reveals the day-to-day realities of life as a displaced person — without dwelling in crisis or despair. Instead, it aims to raise awareness that inspires direct action.

“The main goal of the film is to give a voice to those often unheard or ignored,” Holman adds. “I hope it encourages action on a local, national, or international level from viewers who are in a position to affect change.”

Holman believes in the transformative power of skateboarding — and sport in general — to build resilience, self-belief, and confidence in young people. He hopes Barika Rising will serve to raise awareness about refugee crises, be used as an educational tool and a blueprint for similar initiatives around the world.

Boosted is an Arts Foundation initiative.

Campaign Link: https://www.thearts.co.nz/boosted/projects/barika-rising

Press Kit: https://tinyurl.com/yhh6zn3f

Media Contact: James Holman | [email protected] | +64 21 184 1776

Instagram: @barikarising