Writing/Essay/Journal
Rich Reeder created Film In The City as a way to give back. The homeless youth who participate not only learn all aspects of film production, but also gain confidence and learn to collaborate with others. According to one youth participant, “…we become strong people who know how to swim.”

Write about why art is important. What does it mean to you personally? How has it impacted the participants in the Film In The City project? What lessons do art teach us about life?

Activity
Watch A Common Manor, the film created by the students, here: http://www.hdmg.com/portfolio/film-in-the-city-a-common-manor/ (23 minutes long).

What do you think of the final product? How do you think the filmmakers’ background affected the content of the movie? What is the value of “knowing your subject matter” in any creative work?