New Brooks Institute Documentary Reveals the Spirit of Vietnam

SANTA BARBARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--More than 35 years after the Vietnam War ended, hearing about the Southeast Asian country still conjures images of war and suffering for many Americans. “From Within,” a new documentary from Brooks Institute in California, aims to change that perception.

“People will walk away from the documentary with a sense of the complexities and challenges in Vietnam, but also a sense of the thriving culture”

Every year a select group of students from Brooks Institute’s Visual Journalism, Professional Photography and Film programs travel overseas to put together a documentary about the country they visit. This year, 10 students spent seven weeks in Vietnam to create “From Within,” a documentary, book and exhibit celebrating the vibrant spirit of Vietnam.

Paul Myers, faculty in Visual Journalism who leads the documentary project, was drawn to Vietnam because he saw the opportunity to show American audiences that there is more to the country than the ghosts from the war that plagued it for 20 years. In fact, the documentary never even mentions the war.

“The idea behind this documentary is that it challenges the notion of Vietnam being a war,” says Myers. “Instead, you will see the beautiful, vibrant culture that is Vietnam. There is great hope, spirit and innovation going on right now in Vietnam.”

The documentary team was inspired by the thriving communities and the palpable energy among its young, upbeat population—60 percent of which is under age 30.

“From Within” is more than just a travel piece. The documentary goes beyond the country’s landscape and history and provides an intimate look at its people and culture in a highly personal and revealing way.

The 28-minute documentary explores nine stories of perseverance, talent, innovation, beauty, triumph, resilience, tradition, compassion and success. “Elephants” explores the bond between the M’nong people and the wild elephants they’ve been capturing and domesticating for hundreds of years. Student filmmaker Emily Weaver reveals the story of the elephant Paku, who was attacked and tortured by poachers in an attempt to get his ivory. When Paku escaped, he ran back to the village where his M’nong handler nursed him back to health.

In “Leprosy,” student producer Marina Dominguez introduces us to Thein, a 14-year-old girl living in a leprosy rehabilitation center. Despite her battle with this often-misunderstood disease, Thein is optimistic, looking ahead to her recovery and continuing on to fashion design school.

“People will walk away from the documentary with a sense of the complexities and challenges in Vietnam, but also a sense of the thriving culture,” says Myers.

Traveling internationally for the project not only took many students out of their own comfort zone, but it also taught them about their responsibility to their audience back at home. Revealing these highly personal stories and experiences through visual arts engages and educates the audience in powerful and meaningful ways. At the same time, the students were able to become a part of the culture rather than tourists.

“There is something special about being lost in a neighborhood you have never been in and being comfortable with that,” says Myers. “Even though you can’t speak the language, you can still share beautiful moments with these people.”

The “From Within” exhibit will be at the Visions Gallery at the Marriott Ventura Beach from April 20 through June 3. Books and DVDs will be available for purchase and a gallery show will be on display. For more information on the project visit http://documentary.brooks.edu/vietnam/ and http://documentary.brooks.edu/blog/. The trailer can be viewed on Vimeo at http://vimeo.com/21426277.

About Brooks Institute

Brooks Institute celebrates 65 years of educating students in the visual and media arts. With campuses in Santa Barbara and Ventura, Calif., the school offers bachelor’s degrees in fields including professional photography, visual journalism, film and graphic design, and master’s degrees in both photography and screenwriting. Brooks also offers certificates in digital cinema and wedding photography. The school is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS). ACICS is a national accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education. Brooks does not guarantee employment or salary and is part of the Career Education Corporation network of schools (NASDAQ: CECO). For more information about Brooks Institute and the school’s programs, visit www.brooks.edu or call 805-966-3888.