Young Artists Tell of Childhood Cancer,
DREAM Act Through Award-Winning Films
Angel and Emileigh, Project VoiceScape
Giving young filmmakers a voice and a platform to feature their work is the
idea behind Project VoiceScape, a youth filmmaking project of Adobe Youth Voices, Adobe Foundation's global signature philanthropy program; POV, public television's award-winning showcase for independent nonfiction films; and PBS.
NewsHour Extra caught up with two of the winners of this year's Project VoiceScape competition at the awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. Below, the high schoolers share their films and thoughts on the inspiration and challenges that went into making them.
Why this Student Spoke Out
Young filmmakers who participated in Project VoiceScape tackled contemporary issues ranging from gay rights to childhood cancer, the DREAM Act and gentrification.
Angel Gatus - "Musical Warrior" Winner: Audience Award
Photo by Thaisi H. DaSilva
What was the best or most rewarding part about making your documentary?
The whole point of my film was to spread childhood cancer awareness; and
it was so rewarding to know that thousands of people watched my film and were
moved by it. I've been receiving so many wonderful comments from so many
amazing individuals; I am so proud!
What was the most challenging part about making your documentary, and
what advice would you offer other teens hoping to overcome those challenges
and make their own films?
I think the most difficult part of making this film was editing. There was so much
footage and picture that had to look through that it took longer than I thought to
put everything together. My brother actually had to help me edit because I would
get stuck from time to time. I'm still new at filmmaking and editing; I'm so thankful
that my brother was so supportive and was there for me when I needed help!
What most inspired you to make this film, and to make films in general?
What is your favorite documentary film?
My brother Austin inspired me to make this film. He is such a strong person
and he has been through so much, more than what most people don't even
face in a lifetime. As the oldest sibling, even though Austin is younger than me,
I still look up to him; he is my hero, the true "Musical Warrior!" I believe that
childhood cancer is such an important topic and it is something that should not
be ignored! With sharing Austin's story, I truly believe that we can make a difference
and help raise the awareness because most people don't understand what these
patients go though everyday; they are kids fighting for their lives.
Emileigh Potter - "The DREAMer" Winner: Most Inspiring Documentary
Photo by Thaisi H. DaSilva
The most rewarding part of being a part of this project was having my mentor,
Jeremy Levine, working with me and being able to access his advice and his
knowledge of documentary film.
The most challenging part of making this film was editing. It was definitely the
most difficult part of this project. The advice I would give to an other student filmmaker
would be: don't get overwhelmed, take three breaths and start working. After a long
day of work it will all be worth it.
What inspired me to make this film was Benny. Her personality made me want to
fight for her and get her story out. I got into film through my mom. She's very active
in our local film community and so I was submerged into a community that loved
making films as much as I do. My favorite documentary of ALL TIME is Born into
Brothels directed by Zana Briski and Ross Kaufman.
Angel and Emileigh are both in high school; Emileigh is from San Antonio, Texas, and hopes to go to college for filmmaking. Angel is from San Diego, Calif. She based her film off of her brother's experience with childhood cancer.
Joplin was able to rise from the ashes because of help from everyone. And I am eternally grateful to anyone who made that possible.
