Rivers of Resilience
Project Details
"Rivers of Resilience" is a youth-focused documentary advocating for ocean sustainability along the Windsor-Detroit River, exploring challenges, youth-led initiatives, and community. Through captivating visuals and expert interviews, it aims to inspire collective action and instill a sense of responsibility and global awareness for the preservation of our planet's vital water ecosystems.
Project Description
“Rivers of Resilience” is a youth-focused documentary film aimed at promoting ocean sustainability along the Windsor-Detroit River. This project seeks to explore the ecosystem of the river, and its significance to local communities and the broader environment. Through captivating visuals and compelling narratives, the film will delve into the challenges facing the river, including pollution, habitat degradation, and climate change, while also showcasing the resilience of nature and the efforts of youth-led initiatives in conservation and restoration. The documentary will feature interviews with experts, scientists, activists, and local residents to provide insights into the historical, ecological, and cultural aspects of the Windsor-Detroit River. It will examine the impact of industrial activities, urbanization, and invasive species on the river’s health, emphasizing the urgent need for collective action to preserve and restore its vitality, and incorporate a global aspect as well to advocate for ocean health worldwide and with larger bodies of water. The project will utilize a combination of cinematic storytelling techniques, including stunning one-shots and river footage, underwater imagery, and intimate interviews and narration, to captivate audiences and evoke a sense of connection and responsibility towards the river, and our ocean ecosystems as a whole.
This project has been created in commemoration of the lives of all the victims of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302, including two Ocean Bridge ambassadors, Danielle Moore and Micah Messent. We aspire to carry on their legacy and commitment to making the world a better place by creating long-lasting impacts with a firm commitment to driving positive change for the environment and our ocean. We will never forget the light that Danielle and Micah brought to the world and will continue to keep them in our hearts. To learn more about these two amazing people, please visit: Honouring Danielle and Micah – Ocean Wise. This work is partially funded by the Commemoration Fund for Victims of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 Tragedy.
What was your biggest challenge?
One of the biggest challenges I faced during the “Rivers of Resilience” project was, surprisingly, not to do with logistics or finding people within my network. It was navigating the technical aspects of video editing and finding skilled individuals to collaborate with. As someone with a background primarily in photography, delving into the world of video production presented a steep learning curve. To overcome this challenge, I immersed myself in online tutorials and courses to enhance my video editing skills, learning new techniques and software applications. Simultaneously, I reached out to my network and utilized online platforms to connect with experienced editors and filmmakers who could bring their expertise to the project or provide advice on my video footage.
What was your most valuable takeaway?
Witnessing the power of community engagement and advocacy reaffirmed my belief in the potential for individuals to make a difference, even in the face of daunting environmental challenges. Through the project, I witnessed firsthand how community members, experts, activists, and organizations united around a common cause, pooling their resources, knowledge, and energy to address pressing environmental concerns. This collaborative spirit not only amplified our impact but also fostered a sense of solidarity and shared purpose. It demonstrated that when people join forces and work towards a common goal, they have the power to do good. It gave me hope for the future, and generations to come.
