Changing the Narrative

April 1, 2019

Shonaleigh - Jewish storyteller

20min listen 

Shonaleigh Cumbers is a storyteller. Not just any storyteller. She’s a Drut’syla. She’s a living tradition holder. It’s a tradition that flourished in Jewish families, but that was wiped out during the holocaust. Almost wiped out. As far as we know, Shonaleigh is the last Drut’syla.
By John Sellwood November 20, 2025
I was recently asked by Michael Mehaffey from www.thesouthernseries.com to film the 2025 Royal Canterbury A&P show with a focus on sheep and shearing. What a joy, a sheer pleasure if you will! Michael has a passion is to bring New Zealand sheep shearing to a global audience...
Documentary series preview
By John Sellwood September 20, 2025
Copyright RNZPA 2024. Lifting the kilt on kiwi pipe bands with a unique insight into the passion and dedication of New Zealand pipers and drummers. This Documentary/series follows four New Zealand pipe bands travelling to Scotland to compete against the best of the best at the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow. Nine thousand pipers and drummers gather annually for this global battle of the bands, and the kiwis want to make their mark.