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Monday 5th January 2009 8:56 am
Shani Edmond: A Future in Film
We hear from another young filmmaker in Chicago. A high school student and Jr. Mentor with the Digital Youth Network, Shani discusses her experience working on film projects including a documentary about the history of public housing. This post is part of our series hearing from youth artists and content creators in digital media.
I am Shani Edmond, a Jr. Mentor for the Digital Youth Network. Beginning in 7th grade with a project I, along with two of my classmates, decided to create a short documentary chronicling the history of the Ida B. Wells housing project for the history fair. Our documentary progressed from the school’s history fair to the City History Fair then to the State History Fair. Ever since, I have been determined to become a professional videographer/director/editor.
I am currently a junior at The University of Chicago Charter High School, Woodlawn Campus, where I continue to further advance my knowledge on film production. In addition to the film projects assigned to me by DYN, I have also videotaped, edited and produced numerous other film projects for people when requested. I have assisted my high school in documenting its history on film.
Most recently I participated in the creation of a short film, Division 201, as Head Editor and Assistant Director. Over the course of making Division 201 I feel that I have grown in many ways both as a filmmaker and as a person. I will admit that it had it ups and its downs however the experience as whole was worth it all! I believe that from the Division 201 project I have learned many things, such as how to keep an open mind to new ideas and how to work under a lot of pressure. One of the reasons I love filmmaking so much is because I feel that it is a powerful teaching tool and a great way to illustrate your feelings and ideas. After college where I plan to major in film production and cinematography, I plan to open my own production company.
Category: Civic-Engagement, Credibility, Ecology-of-Games, Identity, Race-Ethnicity, Unexpected
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Comments
Posted on January 9 2009 3:45 PM
Shani, I second Akili’s outlook about your progression and your passion to embark on such topics. I learned a lot about Ida B. Wells that I didn’t know watching the video. So, please keep being ambitious with your films and you’ll be able to shed light on a lot of other things that are important in our community and also share your films with the masses.
Akili Lee
Digital Youth Network
http://www.iRemix.org
Posted on January 5 2009 6:33 PM
Great post Shani! It’s been amazing seeing you progress over the years. You’ve been one of our most active, engaged and talented students since you started with DYN in the 7th grade.
Seeing how you were able to really adapt to being a leader within a larger group film project this past summer really showed us a lot. Can’t wait to see what comes next!