This post is part of a series submitted by Gabriella Huggins, Community Programs Mentor at Spy Hop in Salt Lake City, Utah. The four posts in the series -- The Window, Mock Identity, CO2, and Dancing with Thorns -- are all created by youth from Spy Hop. Gabriella offers a perspective on the series that offers her insight into the connective tissues between the media and how it connects to the central theme of this Special Issue.
Time is fluid. To disconnect past, present, and future is a nearly impossible and arguably irresponsible task. Though specific to each individual in the intimacy of the here and now, the time of "now" is inextricably connected to the events of the past and crucial in shaping transitions into the future. As an individual, a woman and person of color, the child of immigrants, I am always aware of how my person is connected to time. The past trauma of my ancestors lives in my body, challenging me in the present to learn self love, as well as to practice boldness moving forward, to imagine a time in which equity and understanding are truly foundational in our global community. As a mentor to youth, I encourage in my students this critical understanding of the connectedness of their actions to the past and future, especially as they decide what stories to tell and the messages they want to send. How has the past limited people like them, and people unlike them? How is broad access to media in the present important in shaping cultural narratives? How are they, as citizens and creators, responsible to themselves and others in creating a future they can feel safe in and proud of?
Logan Rosson and Maddy Willardson's PitchNic 2016 documentary film, CO2, investigates Utah's air quality and its impact on the health of locals. CO2 asks viewers to consider historical trends of governmental neglect and personal inaction, challenging us to take action in defense of the inheritance we will pass to future generations.
About the Authors
Logan Kingfisher Rosson graduated from Academy of Math Engineering and Science and is currently studying bio-medical engineering pre-med at the University of Utah in the Honors College. He plans to attend medical school in the future.
Madelyn Anne Willardsen is a senior at East High School. She is planning on attending Utah Valley University next year to study business. This is her second film class at Spy Hop, she previously participated in Reel Stories.