Shanthi Project

A documentary short detailing the history, mission and vision of the Lehigh Valley based non-profit, Shanthi Project. The film follows the organization's journey from programming for incarcerated populations to work in schools, building resiliency and wellness throughout the community.

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Shanthi Project is the first documentary project I produced independently as a contracted videographer. Prior to completing this project I had created numerous videos for family, friends, and my high school theatre group. It was these videos and a personal connection to the organization that afforded me the opportunity to complete this project. 

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Production of the film began in August of 2016 and ended in December. In that time, I attended a series of events including class in schools and Trauma-Informed trainings for the mindfulness instructors. I also held a series of interviews with board members, instructors, as well as individuals who were impacted by Shanthi's programs. I then spent the next few months editing the documentary together, sharing stages of the edit with Ms. Veres, Shanthi Project's Founder, and other members of the board for feedback. Finally in March, the edit was complete. 

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This short documentary was the start to a professional relationship with the non-profit that lasted more than two years. I was asked to complete additional videos and edits, and I also managed the organization's social media for two years. I am grateful that I was able to have my first experience as a working as a videographer when I was still in high school. Managing this production showed me that filmmaking requires more than just technical skill–you also need to be organized, flexible, efficient, as well as creative. 

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This documentary was produced using a Canon T5i and edited in iMovie.