WATCH: ExChange ~ breaking stereotypes in America
by Mario Mattei on October 13, 2011
The micro-documentary ExChange: breaking stereotypes in America announces its official release today! Muslim exchange students in the USA struggle to dissociate themselves from extremism. American youth are "labeled" too. But hope exists. This short film highlights a heart-touching friendship between Molly (American) and Anum (Pakistan) as well as the voices of two other Muslim exchange students in America (Palestine & Pakistan).
~ex:change from Mario Mattei on Vimeo.
ExChange offers a glimpse into a real story about two people of different backgrounds and beliefs coming together. It hopes to inspire audiences to fear less and love more---to not ignore our differences, but to be at peace with them. For this reason we ask you to please share on Facebook & Twitter so that thousands can view it from the theatre of their homes and workplaces.
ExChange is the first production from Visual Peace Media, a new non-profit company currently being founded by Mario Mattei, Joshua Smith, and others from the IGVP team. Learn more about VP Media in their organizational membership profile here on IGVP. Also, sign up to be notified of their website launch here. Visual Peace Media hopes to contribute more visual peacemaking work to the IGVP movement in the future.
Note from the director, Mario Mattei:
All I can do now that ExChange is released is look back and ponder what a priviledge it was to produce. The students I worked with each possessed so much life and energy and good will. Working with IGVP member Peter Bergmeier in the virtual "editing room" turned out to be a real joy, too. The students are part of the exchange program of AYUSA.org. I encourage American families to visit their site and consider hosting a student with open arms and American-style hospitality. Be ready to learn from your international guest, too! This micro-documentary marks my first attempt to move from still to motion, and I hope to produce more hybrid stories like this in the future. The learning curve is huge and pricey! I have a new respect for what goes into these productions and visual stories. Lastly, my wish is for other IGVP members to collaborate as Peter and I have thru Skype and emails. It's possible and rewarding. Now, please go share ExChange with the world. Thank you.
If you have any questions about what went into the making of ExChange, ask them below. If there are any blog topics that could emerge from your curiosity about the making of micro-documentaries, please share below.
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Disclaimer: While IGVP strives for unity and clarity of vision, each blog author is responsible for his or her own words, links, and references. They do not necessarily represent the many voices and opinions of individuals within the visual peacemakers movement, the Guild, or the IGVP Founders.
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