In the final episode of our continuing series, Sannii Crespina-Flores gave us an update on her experience with Sundance & "The World Is As Big Or As Small As You Make It"
Tongal: Looking back on your experience, what did the Sundance + Gates Short Film Challenge mean to you? What were some of your favorite moments and memories from your premiere, as well as from the Sundance Film Festival?
Sannii: I still have the card on my refrigerator announcing the Sundance and Gates Foundation Challenge with Tongal. It is a reminder that each breath I dared take in this journey was waiting for that call late September 2014 and the whirlwind of events that followed. It was amazing to discover that I had been selected to have my short story become a film! It simply was the best way to end a year and the catalyst to a awe-inspired journey having worked with such phenomenal filmmakers and supportive staff at Tongal, Sundance and the Gates Foundation.
I arrived at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival and witnessed a packed house being moved by a tale that started with only a 140 characters. As the story unfolded on the screen, I realized I was in a room filled with advocates and dream weavers of the changes that could be possible for our world. In that room, I learned the value of my voice and connected with people who would become my friends and mentors for the year ahead.
Watch "The World Is As Big Or As Small As You Make It" -- just click the picture above!
Sannii (continued): I could have never imaged the response once it was shared with the world via Upworthy. My students and I had a whole new community to engage, discover and create with! We are still reeling from the outpouring of love and compassion. We were able to create a community of new supporters that donated much needed equipment, supplies and funding to meet with some of our partners in person! We have connected with countries and people we would not have had access to if not for this experience. We have a college level “Do Remember Me” [former title for "World"] as well as a global forum this new year and are pretty excited about what 2016 will bring. It has already given us new partnerships that promise to continue to grow the project and strengthen the journey. It has allowed me professionally to take a seed planted eight years ago and grow a strong and solid foundation for the work with youth global.
Personally, it has given me the space to share my art as the filmmakers were gracious in allowing me to participate in the story-line development, the actual filming as well and the inclusion of students we had been working with globally already.
I am excited to be entering 2016 with the knowledge of the lessons, friendships and partnership gifted me from 2015 for the DRM Project to expand and make this an amazing journey for youth through art and advocacy. I too, am excited about the expansion of my personal art with new short films and creating a web series that is written, directed and filmed by women.
