Isabel Garcia, Class of 2002
It was four years ago when Isabel Garcia stood on a stage before an audience of film buffs at the Roxbury Film Festival. Supplied with business cards advertising her production company, Isabel introduced her first documentary film, A Life's Journey, which she created as the final product for the "Senior Documentary Project" class at Boston Day and Evening Academy. Her latest film, Deliverance: The Story Behind the American Anti-Slavery Group, sheds light on the tragedy of modern day slavery.
After graduating from Boston Day and Evening Academy, Isabel spent 2 1/2 years studying liberal arts and video production at Bunker hill Community College. She worked close to full-time hours to support her studies and she never stopped making films. Last January she transferred to the New England Institute of Art in Brookline. Her program consists of an intensive course of studies in video/film productions, digital media, and liberal arts. In December of 2007, Isabel will earn her Bachelor of Fine Arts.
Isabel's filmmaking career has also sparked a passion for combating social injustice. The purpose of her latest film is to create awareness of the worldwide crisis of slavery. According the the AASG (www.iabolish.org), there are currently 27 million slaves throughout the world. Isabel has had the opportunity to interview several former slaves. Her next interview will take her to Kansas City in January where she will have the chance to film and speak with BEA Alumnus and former slave, Francis Bok.
Bok was enslaved in Sudan for ten years. After several attempts, he finally escaped at the the age of 17. He made his way to the United States and has since dedicated his life to the anti-slavery movement, speaking to audiences across the country, from church groups to Capitol Hill. Isabel and Francis were BEA students together and will soon reunite in their common goal to shed light on the tragedies of Darfur and bring freedom to people throughout the world who are being held against their will.
"I want to create documentary films that will change the world in some way, " Isabel declares. "The AASG video is a stepping stone in acheiving that goal." Isabel hopes that her film will help to spread the word and inspire people to contribute their time and money to the cause. She plans to continue filming future anti-slavery events so that she can keep the AASG film up-to-date.
Beginning in January, Isabel will begin working on two new projects: a commercial and a corporate video production. Upon graduating from the Art Institute, Isabel plans to start up a corporate video production company, which will allow her the financial freedom to continue her passionate work on social and political documentary projects.
Isabel can be contacted at igarcia9@aol.com
It is with pride that we can report on the great work that is done by BDEA alumni. Our graduates have not only taken community service and social/political involvement to heart, they are taking action. Congratulations to Isabel, Francis, and to all of our former students whose contributions make a difference in our world.
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