What inspired you to work with Actuality Media?
I was immediately drawn to their work with changemakers, and supporting grassroots innovation that is happening around the world. It is so important to tell these stories of resilience and creativity in communities different from our own.
With a crew on a filming day in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Can you tell us about your responsibilities as the Locations Coordinator?
It was a lot of research and logistics. I researched everything from hostels to transport companies to excursions and activities. Not to mention finding dozens of potential changemakers per location, and connecting with them to see if they would be a good fit for Actuality Media’s intensive program.
You also traveled as a Production Supervisor, co-leading multiple programs in Africa and Latin America. How was that experience?
It was unbelievable to see so many places! It is incredible to see such a variety of cultures, and to now have relationships with these incredible changemakers all over the world and still follow what they’re doing on social media. I’m very thankful for the experience.
Weekends are for adventures! A weekend safari, Actuality Media style!
What makes Actuality Media special?
Students and staff really get to know people in the communities in which we work. The film subjects, the real changemakers, become friends over that period of time. I’m still connected to changemakers that we worked with. Also, it is a challenging and intense environment! Working in a creative process, under a time crunch, with complete strangers, in a developing country will challenge you. Get ready to grow and learn about yourself in really big ways. Other programs might keep you within your comfort zone a bit more.
What was your favorite part of your position with Actuality Media?
Seeing students in their element, feeling like “YES, THIS is what I want to do with my life!!!” is so cool. I love supporting students during the exploration process, and had so many conversations as they were real-time, discovering, and processing that filmmaking is what they love and feel called to do. Seeing the wheels turn as they see the world in a new way is really special.
What challenges did you face in these roles and how did you overcome them?
Discovering and figuring out new cultures and communities can just be tiring. Everything is new and has to be figured out: how do I get a phone number? How do I add credit to my phone? Where is the nearest internet cafe? Why am I STILL sitting in this parking lot when the bus driver said we would leave an hour ago? You have to be patient and flexible, but yet always alert. When all of that compounds, it can be pretty exhausting.
Production supervisors learning about Guatemalan artisan weaver cooperatives on site with AMA in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala
What lessons have you learned from your own travels that you hope Actuality Media participants experience?
Be curious, ask questions, and listen. Every culture has so much value to offer the world, and that discovery takes active listening and participation. When people invite you into their homes, it is really an honor and offering of hospitality. Eat their food, share a meal, and savor every moment.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
To me, meaningful travel is about being considerate and intentional in what you experience, what you see, and who you meet. It is going beyond being a traditional whirlwind tourist, but going slow, figuring out why you wanted to go to that place, and then seeing what you can learn.
If you could participate on an Actuality Media program, which would you choose and why?
Oooh, great question. Out of 2019 locations, Vietnam would be really cool. I love what I’ve experienced in Southeast Asia, but haven’t made it there yet.
