Exploring Cultural Narratives: Students’ Filmmaking Journey at the Penn Museum

Story by The Penn Museum, 3260 South Street Philadelphia, PA 19104

Introdução

This article highlights the enriching experiences of high school students participating in a unique internship program focused on storytelling and filmmaking, organized by the Penn Museum.

A Journey Beyond Artifacts

During the summer season, a group of local high school students engaged in deep cultural exploration through storytelling and filmmaking as part of the Bloomberg Arts Internship Program at the Penn Museum. This internship provided an opportunity to connect with ancient artifacts, but what emerged from it was far more profound.

In just seven weeks, the interns donned the hats of filmmakers and produced their first short films, some of which were featured in the captivating Ancient Food & Flavors exhibition. This period allowed the interns to merge creativity and education, diving into the timeless stories that characterize various cultures around the globe. The question arose: what insights could high school students bring to a place rich with history? The answer, as discovered, was surprisingly simple: rice.

Understanding the Rice Film Project

A highlight of the internship was the creation of a short film that centered around rice—an unassuming grain that links cultures and communities through its significance in culinary traditions worldwide. The project sought to unearth the historical and contemporary connections rice fosters among different societies.

This endeavor came alive through collaboration among four interns: Nahiem, Calliope, Yixi, and Demilade, offering them a platform to create films focused on various food themes. The brainstorming sessions took place amid the Ancient Food & Flavors exhibition, where the interns collectively decided to concentrate their films on four distinctive foods: tacos, spice, dumplings, and rice. Their teamwork encompassed every phase of filmmaking—from research to shooting footage and the final editing process.

Discovering Philadelphia’s Food Scene

Guidance was provided by the program supervisor, Camden Copeland, who kept the interns motivated and on track with their exhibition publication. Accompanied by Jasmine Lynea from Big Picture Alliance, they learned the skills to effectively film and utilize professional cameras—making technical aspects much more approachable. The mentoring throughout this program empowered them as they crafted their films with personal relevance while contributing to a broader narrative.

As part of this creative journey, the interns traversed iconic locations within Philadelphia, capturing footage at vibrant venues like Reading Terminal Market and Center City. One particularly impactful interaction occurred during a visit to the Museum when Demilade approached a visitor to inquire about their favorite rice dish. Initially hesitant, the visitor shared a heartfelt story about his fondness for paella, a dish he and his wife frequently enjoyed together. Such personal stories reinforced the intricate ties between food and personal history.

Connecting with Artifacts

Beyond the scope of film creation, being at the Penn Museum also offered a hands-on approach to connecting with history. One unique activity involved selecting artifacts from various galleries that mirrored modern-day items. This exploration illustrated both the transformations over time and the enduring legacies of certain cultural artifacts.

Another unforgettable experience involved a Daily Dig presentation at the Asian Gallery. Ah-Young Kim, a knowledgeable staff member, engaged the interns by showcasing an intricate Chinese artifact. The interactive session allowed participants to dissect the artifact’s significance thoughtfully, bringing its rich story to life in a compelling manner, thereby enhancing appreciation for the Museum’s vast collections.

Overcoming Challenges

The internship itself served as a crucible for personal and artistic growth, teaching the interns to embrace challenges. Initial attempts to conduct interviews sometimes met with refusals, but these setbacks became essential learning moments. Navigating through rejections inspired creative problem-solving and adaptability—valuable life lessons that extend far beyond the walls of the museum.

Gratitude to the Penn Museum

The transformative experience at the Penn Museum not only solidified a passion for storytelling but also reinforced the belief in history’s power to forge connections. A heartfelt thank you is extended to Camden, Jasmine, Ah-Young, and others whose support greatly enriched this cultural journey.

In conclusion, the interns blended creativity with education, sharing their unique perspectives through film. This paid off as they deepen their understanding of history, food, and culture, spotlighting how food serves as a bridge between diverse communities. Such narratives have the potential to enrich our travel experiences, guiding enthusiasts to explore the profound relationships between people and their locales.

The Impact of Travel

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Considerações finais

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