For communities and organizations, 2022 presented the unique challenge of bringing people together after two years of pandemic lockdowns. Projects on MakeWay’s shared platform are no exception: many have spent the summer creating in-person gatherings that allow people to connect safely. We’re excited to highlight the perspectives and experiences of projects, exploring what the process of coming back to in-person space has been like.
This post explores reflections from Mark Vonesch, Director of one of the oldest projects on the platform, Reel Youth.
“I think the arts provide a venue for young people to express themselves. I think that’s a core value that all humans have, and there’s a lot of young people that don’t feel seen, don’t feel heard. That feel like they have to wait until they’re an adult to do something important in the world.” – Mark Vonesch
Reel Youth supports young people in creating films that share their visions for a more just and sustainable world. Their programming is designed to create positive change in youth’s lives through technical skill building, leadership training, and increased connection to community resources. Part of the project’s philosophy is centering the voices of young people, particularly marginalized youth, allowing them to lead in the movements and conversations they feel are important.
“Strong” is part of a Reel Youth’s inter-generational programming that creates meaningful connections between youth and elders. This video comes out of a girls program in Fort Liard NWT.
Since their inception in 2004, Reel Youth has made over 2500 films with youth across Canada and around the world. One of their biggest offerings is the Reel Youth Film Festival, which premieres at the Vancouver International Film Festival each year and also features youth-made films at community screenings. These screenings went virtual for the past two years, but have finally come back in-person in 2022.
“It was really exciting for us to bring everyone together again, celebrate the work that’s been done, and engage with each other in-person,” said Mark, “There’s something special about sitting face to face with people. Being able to make eye contact and see each other and hear each other. That’s a really powerful thing for us.” The transition back was tricky, and project staff had to take on the difficult task of trying to keep people safe while still providing impactful programming. But their hard work resulted in some amazing screenings and gatherings. Their first in-person program, Black Brilliance 2.0, was led by black youth artists and featured films telling their personal stories.
In this youth-made docu-series, two black women share their immigration journeys. This video is the first part of the series tells Joanna’s story.
Following the success of this first event, the Reel Youth Reel Youth Film Festival began its screening tour in Cortes Island, BC. They showed 18 films that night, 14 of which were created by local youth. “That was very unusual for our Film Festival. Usually there’s four or five local films submitted. So, it’s really exciting to see so many local films in this.” It also shows that youth artists really want to create and share their stories with community, and why spaces like the one’s Reel Youth create are so necessary.
As the project reflects the last two and a half years, there’s pride in what they’ve been able to accomplish despite the pandemic. They produced over 120 films, turnout for virtual events and programming remained high, and the team showed incredible ability in thinking outside the box and learning to engage people in new ways.
Exciting things are still ahead for the rest of the year. Reel Youth will be supporting a documentary shot in Bella Bella, BC – the film will be part of a project that connects Indigenous youth to cultural hunting and fishing activities. They’ll also be hosting Troublemakers 6.0, a queer-centered film program that connects youth and elders. And one of their biggest screenings of the year is in partnership with the Vancouver International Film Festival. Here, they will support young people in getting their films screened at a huge, internationally recognized festival. “We’re excited to continue growing and having an impact on the world in the future,” said Mark.
Want to support Reel Youth’s work? Not only can you show up at their events and support, you can also bring a Reel Youth screening to your community. Screenings like this engage the community, empower local film makers, and can even act as a fundraiser for your group or festival.
And of course, make sure to follow them on social media and donate so they can continue to empower youth to grow creatively, tell their stories, and become leaders in movements they care about.
MakeWay’s shared platform provides charitable expertise and operational support to a mission-aligned community of environmental and social initiatives, so that they can focus on building strong, vibrant, just communities and a healthier planet.
