“DEAR _____”: A VIDEO EPISTLE
Ages 16-29
Summer 2021, Online
In this online workshop, student fellow will dive into the vanishing art of letter writing, crafting thoughtful, artful messages—not texts!—to share a story or rumination; make a request; offer encouragement, congratulations, or condolence; to express what’s on their mind or in their heart; to say thank you or just hello. They might address real or imaginary pen pals; relatives, politicians, people from history or from books; or they might address places, animals, or even objects. Working from one selected letter, each fellow will then script, shoot, and edit a short video, using voiceover, B-roll, video graphics, and other audio/video techniques to transform their writing into a polished video epistle, a short film that embodies their message. They’ll refine foundational writing and speaking skills, as well as videography skills. Their work will be shared through a virtual exhibition and on the program website. Limited to 8 student fellows.
Jaki Hall has taught English at five Baltimore-area universities. She has worked as a TV reporter, talk-show host, and producer; published magazines; and is co-author of her family history, We Are the Wards!
Darian Jones is currently a student at the University of Baltimore, majoring in digital communications with a focus in media design and production. Teaching at Wide Angle Youth Media allows him to work with Baltimore’s future; his goal as a filmmaker and teacher is to help others re-discover their voices.
Yasmin Boakye is a Pushcart Prize-nominated essayist raised in the Maryland suburbs of DC. A recipient of fellowships from NYU and the Mellon Foundation, she is currently based in Baltimore.
