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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Bradley Rappa, MFA¹, Nicole Koschmann, MFA², Norma Gray, PhD¹, Mary Mays, PhD¹, Denise Wolf, MPH¹, and Jan Jirsak, MS¹. (1) Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, P.O. Box 245163, Tucson, AZ 85724-5163, 520-626-5409, brappa@email.arizona.edu, (2) Media Arts, University of Arizona, P.O. Box 245163, Tucson, AZ 85724-5163

Providing digital video cameras, microphones, lights, and computers with video editing equipment to a group of 11 – 18 year old American Indian youth has created enthusiasm and opportunities to discover talent. Video production is taught from different perspectives. Production is incorporated with instruction on traditional arts, culture and wellness. The summer portion of this project focuses on creating public service announcements that deal with wellness issues such as drug and alcohol abuse, domestic and gang violence, and other health related topics. The students also make short documentaries, as well as more poetic pieces, on some aspect of their experience in their community. Television, films and the music industry are dominant forces in our society. Yet despite all the diverse channels we have, the programming remains relatively homogenous. Most of the youth in this project have not seen themselves represented on TV or in film. This makes it difficult for them to visualize their own videos. When asked what sort of films they want to make, most do not have an answer right away. Throughout the project, the students' work becomes more and more sophisticated as they master not only the technical skills involved, but also their own confidence in belonging in the world of media. This presentation will review the major components of teaching American Indian youth video production, including successful methods of engaging youth in the process. Youth videos will be shown.

Learning Objectives: