Thank you for joining us

Welcome to Stories from Earth. We’re excited to have you on board.

Your support for Leon and his story has been inspiring. So much so that we've decided to transform our platform into one that creates genuine impact - and can help to change the lives of those whose stories we share.

Here's what we've worked on with Leon so far, and a sneak peek into our next project. Thanks for joining us along the way.

- Zak, and the Stories from Earth crew

Stories

First, an update from us

When we released our recent film, The Secret Life of a Grab Driver in Bali, we didn’t expect the reaction it would receive from our community.

After watching the documentary, so many of you reached out asking how you could help Leon. So, we set up a Go Fund Me, with the money raised going directly to Leon to use however he needs: to help cover rent, support his family, or fund his next big step.

So far, you’ve helped us raise £2,849. That’s incredible - we’re so grateful for your generosity. And it’s been raised not thanks to just a few big donations, but a huge number of you coming together: sharing £5 here, £25 there. It’s showed us the power of a community, and what we can build together.

From this experience, we realised we want to make Stories from Earth a platform that generates real change. Going forward, we’ll still be making films that tell stories about underrepresented people and places around the world. But we’ll be doing it as a philanthropic, non-profit organisation. One that not only raises money for its participants, but supports them long-term: in whatever way they decide they need most.

We don’t want to take your kindness for granted.

We want to make sure you can see the genuine impact you’re helping to create.

Below, we’ve shared a bit about what Leon’s been up to: how he’s using your donations to change his life and his community. We’re looking forward to sharing more with you soon.

Impact report #1

Leon’s next steps

Since releasing the documentary, we’ve kept in regular contact with Leon. He’s shared with us his goals, dreams, and hopes - not only for himself, but for his wider community. His selflessness has been hugely inspiring, and we can’t wait to see his next steps.

With the money raised, Leon has:

• Taken a well deserved trip back to his home island Java, where he met up with family, purchased a goat for his community and celebrated a wedding.

• Started setting up a business, specialising on taking tourists from Bali to his home island Java - and touring them around Kawah Ijen volcano, an incredible blue lava volcano Leon hopes can become a new trip for people visiting the island.

• (Because we were able to raise more than triple the expected goal, Leons is able to jump 3 years ahead of his 5 year plan & instantly start a business in Indonesia, hiring from his community & friendship group!)

• Partnered with our SFE team and an NGO on the ground to offer community laptops, digital literacy courses and workshops to Leon’s community - more on this to come.

• Shared a thank you video for you all - since this film has released, he’s on his way to becoming a key player in philanthropy projects on the island, and we can’t wait to see where his next steps take him.

  
  

What’s next

Inside Thailand’s booming weed industry

Our next documentary dives deep into Thailand’s booming weed industry; but we’re taking a different route to one you might expect. From shiny dispensaries to remote mountain farms, this story reveals the real impact of legalisation on business, health, and the human spirit.

We’ll explore:

• How capitalism transformed cannabis overnight

• Addiction and the hidden costs of legal weed

• One woman’s battle with cancer — and the plant that helped her through

• Big business vs. local growers

• Three unforgettable characters with powerful lessons on purpose, happiness, and passion

There’s more info to come, including ways you can get involved. Stay tuned 📻