Barbara Valentino, CEO of Docs in Progress, will share details about Village Reels, an intergenerational filmmaking program matching students from Montgomery County high schools with local elders with life stories to share.
Through the Village Reels program, started in 2022, high school students have partnered with seniors from Silver Spring Village and Kensington Village. In 2024, Docs in Progress received a grant from the City of Takoma Park and has decided to partner the Village of Takoma Park with students from Montgomery Blair High School.
A goal of the Village Reels project is to allow Villagers to tell stories that reflect the diversity of religions, cultures, ages and economics within their communities. For the students, it not only becomes a shared and personal learning experience, but the Village Reels project also teaches
critical team building skills.
Docs in Progress strives to identify 2-3 ‘starring’ individuals per village who are willing to share their particular life experience with the student filmmakers. Membership in the Village of Takoma Park is not required.
The student team includes 3-4 students. Each team member will lead one aspect of the filmmaking process –story & research, production/camera, or editing/post production. A Docs In Progress staffer will accompany students in any one-on-one interaction with each villager.
TIME COMMITMENT: estimated 8-10 hours max during the course of the project.
TIMETABLE:
● February: Identify village volunteers by mid-to late February, so the students
can begin to conduct research
● March: Filming
● April -Early May: Editing and Post Production
● Completion by the end of May.
● Premiere to be held in June of all Reels and with students, villagers, special guests.
TRANSPORTATION: Village members may call the Village at 301-646-2109 for a ride one week in advance.
Registration is requested.