Hello Beautiful People,
This past week, I was invited to the pilot screening of Our Cameras, Our Stories at DCTV.
In their own words, Our Cameras, Our Stories is a six-part documentary series of original films created by the talented youth in our PRO-TV media arts training program. Teenage homelessness, coping with a crippling illness, the difficult life of a young immigrant. These stories are personal and intimate, told with an artistry and honesty that is remarkable.
I couldn’t agreee more.
As a teacher, an artist, a director, and a writer, the entire concept of the series just made my heart happy. The stories of the first episode, (featuring the work and lives of Jasmine Barclay, Natalie Setoute, and Mohammed Yakub), were poignant, raw, and real. The mere fact that the entire series is student produced is just phenomenal. An amazing feat for the educators at DCTV.
Family struggles. Incarcerated parents. Drug Addictions. Depression. Homelessness. Health problems. You name it, it’s there. Our Cameras, Our Stories features a million roadblocks on a path to success – and celebrates how these kids overcame each one.
It was refreshing to see the thoughtfulness of teenagers today, to see the respect that they had for one anothers stories, and the desire to reach other members of their generations in an effort to say hey, you’re not alone. I’ve been there too. We’re all in this together. There are people out there who care. Who can help. Who want to hear what you have to say.
The series premieres on WNET-TV Channel 13 on October 4th, (TOMORROW), and will air Saturdays at 1:30pm. Our Cameras, Our Stories features 21 films and can reach a viewing public of 20 million people.
That’s 20 million pairs of eyes and ears, who will undoubtedly be inspired.
And that, dear friends, is a beautiful thing.
Bravo DCTV!
Live, Love, Learn,