In January 2024, Reel Youth facilitated a documentary film program with students in grades 9-12 at the Cortes Island Academy. The new filmmakers learned to produce mini-documentaries profiling beloved local community adults. They learned skills in interviewing, cinematography, editing and production to capture the histories and wisdom of renown gardener Nori Fletcher, environmental advocate Christine Robinson, artist Elizabeth Anderson, and former Klahoose Chiefs, Duane Hansen and Jessie Louie. The program aimed to capture important stories for future generations and strengthen connections between youth and seniors on the island. By facilitating intergenerational knowledge-sharing through film, students gained practical skills while honouring the contributions of those who came before them in building the unique community of Cortes Island.
Learn more about the program here: reelyouth.ca/cortesislandacad...