Fly By Light is a powerful documentary that follows the journeys of four teenagers from Washington, D.C. as they embark on a life-changing trip to rural West Virginia. The film was released in 2015 and directed by Ellie Walton. The four students who are the subjects of the documentary are: Raven, a passionate and driven young woman; Joni, a soft-spoken artist with a troubled past; Amal, a Muslim-American with a deep sense of social justice; and Al'Quran, a charismatic rapper with a gift for poetry.
The trip to West Virginia is part of a program called City at Peace, which aims to empower young people from urban areas through artistic expression and community service. The program was founded in the aftermath of the 1992 Los Angeles riots and has since spread to cities across the United States.
The documentary begins in Washington, D.C. where the four students are introduced and we get a glimpse into their lives. We see them struggling with issues such as poverty, violence, and discrimination, but we also see their creativity, resilience, and hopes for a better future.
As the group travels to West Virginia, they leave their familiar urban environment behind and are confronted by the natural beauty and tranquility of the rural landscape. They are bombarded by sensory experiences that they have never encountered before, such as hiking in the woods, swimming in a river, and sleeping in a tent.
The program is led by two mentors, Hawah and Minista Jazz, who inspire the students with their passion and wisdom. Hawah is a poet, musician, and social activist who has traveled the world and worked with young people from diverse backgrounds. Minista Jazz is a hip-hop artist and educator who uses music as a tool for social change.
Under their guidance, the students engage in various artistic and community-building activities. They write poems and songs, perform at local venues, paint murals, plant gardens, and participate in a peace march. Through these activities, they not only develop their own artistic skills, but also learn to work as a team and connect with the local community in meaningful ways.
The documentary is beautifully shot and edited, capturing both the natural landscape and the emotional ups and downs of the students' journey. The music is also an integral part of the film, with original songs and performances that reflect the students' unique voices and experiences.
One of the themes that emerges from the documentary is the power of art and nature to heal and transform. We see how the students are able to express themselves through various art forms, and how this expression helps them to process their traumas and envision a brighter future. We also see how the natural environment provides a respite from the stresses and dangers of the city, and how it inspires the students to appreciate and protect the planet.
Another theme is the importance of community and mentorship in nurturing young people. We see how the students are able to form deep bonds with each other and with the mentors, and how these relationships give them the strength and support they need to overcome their challenges. We also see how the mentors provide a positive role model and a source of guidance, and how they help the students to discover their potential and purpose.
Overall, Fly By Light is a moving and inspiring documentary that showcases the resilience and creativity of young people who are often overlooked and marginalized. It reminds us of the power of art and nature to heal and transform, and the importance of community and mentorship in nurturing the next generation of leaders.
Fly By Light is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 10 minutes.
