I hope that audiences can appreciate both the contributions and hardships that black artists had to face prior popular acceptance.

Opportunities like Film Prize are important to students like me because it provides a place to encourage young filmmakers to share their ideas. I’m excited to meet other students and see their projects too.

I think recording the voiceover and adding music was a blast. However, assembling the monologue that Louis says when addressing racism was especially impactful for me. I enjoyed imagining what he might say if his words were also heard. After reading his biography I realized Louis Armstrong went through so much as a black musician and I wanted to take the time to honor that fact.

I learned that it’s important to work together as a team. There were so many times we had to keep pushing forward to finish. When someone wasn’t able to shoot or able to help edit we had to pick up the pieces. Working as a team was so helpful.

Be flexible. Planning is hard and picking your team can prove a challenge. Make sure you and your production team are determined to see the project to the end. Have fun and stay passionate about your ideas.