Four Messmer students from the Broadcast Media class have entered a nationwide video contest with their documentary entitled "Vigils and Hope." The film explores the terrible issue of homicide in Milwaukee and the prayer vigils that take place at each homicide site.
Students from the Social Justice Class participated in some of the vigils as part of that class, and were filmed at the sites and interviewed for the documentary. A member of the community who has lost a son to homicide also reflected on film about her experience and the ripple affects of these terrible crimes. The prayer vigils are led by Sr. Rose Stietz who spoke in the film about the history of the vigils and the horrors of the murder rate in Milwaukee.
Filmmaker Dede Taylor, junior, said, “It was a great experience even being behind the scenes; it really inspired me to help change our community.” Jazzmin Boyd, sophomore, also a part of the film crew, remarked, “Being able to go to the different homicide sites touched my heart and makes me want to help decrease the amount of homicides in the city of Milwaukee.” Sophomore Filmmaker Alan Olivares, said, “It made me feel like I can make a difference and pray for those in need.” Lashondra Terry-Lewis, a sophomore on the film crew, reflected on the experience: “Being a part of the prayer vigils made me feel like I made a difference in peoples' lives.”
Also interviewed were Messmer students whose lives have been directly affected by homicides this year; one student lost a close friend, and another is the cousin of a perpetrator. Though the subject is a heavy one, the ultimate message of the film is that of hope--the future is in the hands of these compassionate, spiritual, strong Messmer students who will fight for change.
"Vigils and Hope" was entered into a contest called "Share the Story" sponsored by Goodness Reigns which has as its mission using technology to spread the word about the Catholic faith in action. The videos were limited to 7 minutes, and the Broadcast Media's entry came in at 6:59. The students are also working on a longer version to be shown at a future Wednesday prayer service.
The idea for the film came from Messmer Administrator Mr. Jack Hauser, who served as the project's Production Manager, and was produced under the direction of Broadcast Media Teacher Ms. Maripat Wilkinson. We'll let you know the contest results when they are announced in early April, and there is a "People's Choice Award" you'll be able to vote for then as well.
You can watch "Vigils and Hope" at the top right of this blog.
