Each year, students participating in the Brooks Institute documentary class head to a foreign destination to research and document specific topics of interest in that area. These projects are then compiled to produce a documentary of that location.
Four students shared with me how their trip to South India in 2008 changed their life:
Jeff Johns said, “India will change anyone. Whether you plan on it or not. Seeing the swell in humanity around
Jeff Johns Photo Credit: Connie Myers & Nicole Vinisky
you and the voices of millions everywhere you turn affects even the most seasoned traveler. Being able to spend seven weeks traveling through this vast cultural landscape I gained a glimpse into both the past and future of India. One of the most memorable things was finally being able to answer “yes” when passers by and new made friends would ask me if I was a journalist and photographer. Being able to, for the first time, be out in the world taking pictures and telling peoples intimate stories, gave me the sense that I was doing what I have been dreaming about for all these years. This entire experience only helped to strengthen my conviction that this is what I am meant to do, and it fuels me to never lose the excitement of being in a new place, new culture, [meeting] new people, telling new stories.”
Ellen Webber Photo Credit: Connie Myers & Nicole Vinisky
Ellen Webber shared, ” The Indian culture has such a wealth of color, especially in the clothing. I think one of the things I enjoyed the most (and miss the most) was being visually drawn to the colors, textures and designs. I feel it is almost a way of life, the ritual of dressing and adorning the body with rich and luxurious textures and colors. And it was all classes that wore this sumptuous garb.
In being a part of this project, the travel part was really exciting. It was challenging and thought-provoking. I kept hearing that to be considered a true traveler one had to have visited India at some point in one’s life. For this, I feel I was drawn to go, but as with all things, I think something that I was not even aware of held me to this project. I went through the fear of not doing well and came out on the other side achieving more than I thought possible. Paul Myers, our instructor, is one of those people who sees the most in each student’s potential and holds you to achieving it. I think that with him, this project was allowed to become what it is. So, I guess in the end the most valuable thing that I took away from this experience was that I could stick with something through blind faith and see it through to the very end. It was definitely the longest, most ambitious and challenging project I have ever been a part of.”
Mia Shimabuku stated, “My Indian journey brought upon many firsts that taught me the significance of
Mia Shimabuku Photo Credit: Connie Myers & Nicole Vinisky
exploration, photography, relationships and connections with others in front of and behind the lens. This amazing experience allowed me to really see and live the lives of others, becoming aware and closer to understanding the great big world around me.”
Stephanie Newell Photo Credit: Connie Myers & Nicole Vinisky
Stephanie Newall said, “I am fortunate to have traveled a lot. I was exposed to different cultures, traditions, and ways of life at an early age. Overall, I definitely feel very appreciative for my life in the US. When I see some of the living conditions, lack of education, and struggles others in this world endure it really makes me feel blessed. I love learning about different people and cultures. Traveling is the best education out there. When you are in the middle of another country very different from your own, you have to mold with their way of life and style of living. It opens your eyes and proves there is more then one way to live, survive, function, etc. [The South India Documentary trip] was an incredible experience, without a doubt, but it wasn’t my first time out of the country or ‘living’ in another country for a period of time. Every place I travel to further educates me about this world, about different customs, religions, cultures, etc. I don’t take any of it for granted. I know I am now a stronger person.”
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Brooks Institute, Cinematography, documentary, Photography, South India, Travel
