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ZINCGRAFF SHORT FILM
Recently I had the pleasure of featuring in this short film Zincgraff, written and directed by San Franciso based filmmaker Lino Brown, his fourth short film in three years, which deals with, as Brown says, “a reclusive and hallucinative painter manages to hold onto the memories and momentum of his dearest mate just long enough to conclude his portrait of her. An internal exploration of a relationship and the timeline of dissolution & empathy, thus begging the question of “What are the stories behind a painter’s paintings?”
The filmmaker’s own personal experience shapes his view and approach to his films. Born and raised in Cameroon, Brown came to the U.S. as a teenager just seven years ago, and he says that his latest film is “a collective of my experiences, shared conversations and memories. A modest tribute to a culture and story I had almost forgotten.” Check out the trailer and tell me what you think! https://vimeo.com/48730820
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Day 9 The Bridge Program
The Bridge 2012
Day 9 – San Enrique Elementary SchoolSoulciety Mentors were more than ready to perform after a 2-hour drive to the school. We arrived at the school, we prepared for our performance, waiting in classrooms decorated with very vibrant messages about saving the earth and keeping it clean. We put on an amazing performance for 500 students. After our performance we taught our workshops-with only 8 mentors and 500 students I’m not to sure how we managed to pull it off.
I taught a poetry workshop on Haiku’s to the 5th and 6th grade students. The topics were on Love and Life. For most of the students in my class it was their first time writing poetry, for all of the students it was their first time writing and learning about Haiku’s.As a class we wrote 2 group Haiku’s and 4 of the girls wrote there own. It was such and inspiration to hear the girls explain their dreams and heart desires in few words.
After my workshop the children proceeded to the stage to present in front of the school, as we formed ourselves on the stage my group chanted, “Team work makes a dream work!”Today was a milestone in the trip for me – teaching the kids of San Enrique Elementary another way to express themselves. As a token of gratitude the grandmother of one of the students presented me with a hand made necklace. Although she spoke little English it went to show how poetry can communicate before it is understood.
As this trip goes on the term,”Live life to the fullest” seems to be a recurring theme for me. In the past 2 weeks I have been very blessed and privileged to experience what would take a whole life time for some people.
For the girls in my poetry class…Up here you can watch the mountains kiss the clouds,sun rising to greet the ocean.
This is what breathing looks like.
Sugarcane smiles playing in rice fields,
hearts wrapped in God.
A million hands upward in applause
this is my expression of love for you.
Children of the sun we are fading fast in this world
backs bending from the weight we carry under our feet,heavy but not brokenbamboo spines aren’t meant to breakThere are those who came before you paved way for your greatness to shine through
Jose Rizal, Lapu Lapuboth fought and died for your reflection to remain pureYou are the awakening of your ancestors past
Malakas strong like the heart beats that formed this land
it is our responsibility to imagine change, transform dreams into reality
and live ever on Mabuhay!Mahal KitaI Love You Peace..
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Philippines Trip Day 2 Lesson # 1:It is increasingly important to be open-minded
“Whatever tomorrow brings I’ll be there with open arms an open heart”
Today I learned the true meaning of living life to the fullest. It is in the moment that we open ourselves without expectation that we allow room for what’s divine to happen. I had no idea of what to expect going to the high school today. When reached the school over 100 students chased our van. Only to step out the van and be greeted by 2,000 more students and “Teach Me How to Dougie” sound waving through the leaves of what looked like a school in the middle of the province.
“Barrio” San Isidro High School is located on the outskirts of Lipa City it’s often referred to as barrio to describe a small community of people. That’s exactly what this school was a community of amazing free spirited students waiting to see us perform.
We quickly made our way to the center of the dirt stage circled by the students. While checking my mic, I Chanted 1, 2 1, 2 and unexpectedly the youth responded 3, 4 3, 4 as simple as that may seem it was amazingly profound to me. It was and innocent way for them to connect back with me, a very welcoming and reliving cultural exchange. After our performance the youth prepared a dance performance for us. Their dance routine was very consciously put together. It translated a message about our mind, body, and spirit being connected to the earth and it being our job to save it. It was a message well received from the universe as the rain from the sky. Regardless the tenacity and resilience of these students immensely shined through.
The teachers and administrators seemed to be embarrassed that it began to rain while we watched the performance. Instantly they covered our heads with Payongs “umbrellas” encouraging us to step out of the rain. We removed the Payongs and danced in the rain with the students. That moment was one of my most life changing experiences yet. It taught me the true meaning and lesson of letting go. This was a truly humbling and honoring experience!
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38th Notes Write Up
38th Notes did a short write-up on my upcoming trip to the Philippines:
Comment →Oakland artist, educator and mother Jasmine “Jazz” Hudson has been a staple in the local spoken word scene for many years now. She’s hosted and performed for notable artists and to benefit a myriad of positive community efforts. Early next year she is trying to take her local activism global with an aid trip to the Philippines via Hayward-based non-profit organization, Soulciety. On her trip she will be teaching creative arts workshops and performing, while also providing guidance, resources and inspiration to impoverished youth in the Philippines. As a mother herself, she understands the importance of investing in youth, wherever they may dwell. Here’s the thing, she needs our help.
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The Bridge Program: Jazz Hudson Goes to the Philippines
About three years ago I got involved with a nonprofit organization out of Hayward, CA called Soulciety.
I auditioned for their talent showcase Empower.
Being apart of the show changed my life! It opened my eyes to a larger world of issues, helping me realize just how much my talent and voice could change the world. Now I have another chance to work with Soulciety, this time teaching creative arts workshops and performing, while providing guidance, resources and inspiration to impoverished youth in the Philippines! And I need your help fundraising. The fundraising goal for each mentor is $3000. We will be purchasing the airline tickets by mid-November, meaning each mentor needs to fundraise $1,200 by then. I understand that it’s gonna be a hard push with time being limited, but with the support of my community and friends I know impossible is nothing. Please spread the word to your friends and followers. If you want more info you can visit www.soulciety.org, or read about the event here.
Whatever you can give is immensely appreciated!
Thank you in advance!
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