Open Call: Pitch Reels

Click here to watch this pitch reel

The Pitch:

In the past months, while researching abroad in Bosnia Herzegovina, I have gained a fresh perspective and appreciation for our political system in the USA. The work I have been doing gathering stories of adults who were children during wartime in the 1990’s is a stark contrast to my relatively sheltered life in NY state.

I feel politically reborn and inspirationally hopeful for the first time in my adult life about the ability for political change and am overwhelmed and hopeful for America’s future in a way that I did not think was possible.

I will use the 3 minute format for the WGBH Lab and P.O.V to share my new found perspective and excitement for this year’s upcoming election by contrasting the differences that have inspired me of late. Nothing had prepared me for the excitement and exuberance that I feel for the upcoming elections

I find myself amazed at how leaving the country, even temporarily so, has brought to me the distance necessary to feel one with the prospects of my political system, my American heritage and the diversity of not just my country, but of our political electorate.

With this election, America is finally coming into its own and walking the walk as opposed to talking the talk. With an African American, and a woman competing for the Democratic nomination, we are now becoming the country that we have always strived to be where anything is possible and everyone is equal.

While here researching in Mostar, I am overwhelmed with the seemingly physical and cultural similarities of the inhabitants who only see difference. Difference in the 2 sides of this segregated town, differences in the separate countries that used to make up the former Yugoslavia and difference in people of color, or ethnicities other than their own. In a country where they have 3 residing presidents and a European appointed Office of Higher Representation to watch over all, I have become increasingly thankful for the power and impact that I as an American have within my political system.

Equipped with the professional video, sound, and editing gear to make a professional piece, I will use myself as the subject and articulate through narration the excitement and pride that I feel for the current political movement and possibilities with the forth coming election. As the words will speak my mind, I will illustrate with the visuals, the stark contrast of cultures and geography that has gifted me the distance and thusly the newly rekindled appreciation for my very fortunate citizenship and in turn the power of the American people to bring about real change within their own country.

The short I am sending as a reference, is a “sketch” for an idea that I am working on about Eid ul Adha, the Muslim holiday centered around Abraham's sacrifice to God. Rough and unfinished, it should give you an idea of my visual eye and an idea of structural possibilities.