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Full article from Cinefile 27

Pop Goes the Video World

Video is amazing. Anyone can now document their lives, make movies and communicate with video in ways not possible only a few years ago. The evolution of video technology is rocketing us into a new paradigm of global connectivity and awareness. The world is a much smaller place now that we can see, hear and experience almost anything happening throughout this vast and diverse world we live in. The possibilities of video are exciting, but for many people, the changes we face technologically are too much to keep pace with and can be the cause of stress.

However, for young people, these changes are often embraced openly and without reservation. In many ways, it is the younger generation’s use of video technology that will determine how we integrate it into our lives in the future.

For many years, the ability to work with moving images was limited to broadcasters and filmmakers. Our relationship with video until very recently was most often as an audience and consumers. But now, the average young person has access to high quality video production technology, as well as access to the Internet, an open forum where they can readily share and watch videos from all corners of the globe.

The media landscape will never be the same. Video has revolutionized society in the same way writing and books did in our past. In many ways, video is becoming a universal language that transcends borders and historical divisions. Video is a new tool fueling a renaissance in expression and global connectivity.

The goal of Freeze Frame’s Media Arts Centre is to become a positive influence in this changing video world. We believe that video has the potential of empowering youth of all ages and backgrounds. We are as excited about the prospects of the new technologies as the youth we work with.

We dream of a world in which youth everywhere can express themselves, explore their imagination, share their stories and enter into constructive two way dialogues within their own communities as well as with others around the world.

We would be lying to ourselves if we did not admit there are dangers that come with this technology being readily available to all. The content of much of the mass media our youth digest is questionable if not detrimental to creating healthy balanced citizens. If young people are not educated on the power of video and media then we risk the technology hindering our growth as a society rather than enhancing it. All the more reason to educate our youth in media literacy and the art of video production.

The democratization of media will work best for us if we can ensure those using it and creating it are educated and informed. Freeze Frame believes teaching media and video skills to youth, mixed with a message of tolerance and open-mindedness, is an important step in shepherding our technological advances towards building a peaceful and just world.

Plus, video is just downright fun!