Through the metaphor of the Colditz Prison glider, built by British prisoners seeking escape in World War II, How to Build a Glider centres on 84-year-old Mike Tonkin and the simple life philosophy that has carried him through his own journey.

Having lived in regional Victoria for six years, I was struck by the stark contrasts of natural beauty, industry, and at times homogenous town cultures. As we prepared to return to the city, I felt compelled to capture these impressions through this film.

We combined observational vignettes of Mike’s quiet acts of service with aerial perspectives that link the everyday to a deeper search for meaning. The result is a humble, unhurried portrait of a life well lived, and a reminder that the path to enlightenment can often be found in ordinary moments.