Experiencing Interruptions?

Addressing Gun Violence: Creating Visionaries, Storytellers and Community Activists

After a middle school student was murdered in Oakland, CA, the students asked for an in depth study of gun violence. The dynamic art based nonprofit, Vision Quilt, partnered with Lighthouse Community Public Schools to create a trauma-informed multidisciplinary curriculum which has been implemented with eighth graders for five years. This film showcases the impact of that work on students, staff and the community. Vision Quilt’s mission is to empower communities to create their own solutions to gun violence through the power of art, education, and inclusive system change efforts. A FREE toolkit based on the interactive curriculum in humanities, math, science and art is available to schools and community based organizations nationwide. Together, we prevent gun violence and build resilient communities. www.visionquilt.org. Contact: visionquilt@gmail.com for more information.

  • Caz Stuart
    Director
    Survivor, Lonely Planet, Gordon Ramsey
  • Cathy DeForest, Ph.D.
    Producer
  • Joanna Ruckman
    Videography
  • Adan Gutierrez Gallegos
    Videography
  • Diana Garcia
    Videography
  • J Prado
    Videography
  • Jonathan Piper
    Commentary
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Runtime:
    32 minutes 19 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    May 18, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    75,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16.9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Distribution Information
  • YouTube, Vision Quilt website: www.visionquilt.org
    Distributor
    Country: Worldwide
    Rights: Internet
Director Biography - Caz Stuart

Caz Stuart, a film maker who worked for 30 years in British television, has made over 50 films - from reality series like Survivor and travel series like Lonely Planet to one-off documentaries about murder, heroin and breast milk. One of the best factual producer/directors in the business, she is skilled, accomplished and imaginative, with a strong sense of narrative, structure, and a keen visual eye. One of her most notable qualities is her direct and disarming way of dealing with contributors. She brings people on side with a frank and honest approach that really appeals to people. Her engagement with her subjects and visual confidence delivers strong on-screen material, whilst her experience and good humour make her a popular and solution focused member of any production team. Now living in Mexico, she is working on various film projects, directing and editing.

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Director Statement

The topics in the film are very prescient, given that the #1 killer of American children and teens is gun violence. This film shows the positive impact of this innovative curriculum on students, teachers, and community members. As a foreigner, I was shocked that gun violence has become an everyday occurrence in the U.S.. I am hopeful that people will be moved by this film and adopt this program.