Exploding Dreams: A S.T.E.A.M. Story

Exploding Dreams is a story about a kid from Philadelphia that used his environment to fuel his dreams and create a platform within the STEM community.

  • Jabari Jefferson
    Director
  • Jabari Jefferson
    Writer
  • Jabari Jefferson
    Producer
  • Jalaal A. Hayes
    Producer
  • Anthony C. Evans
    Producer
  • Eric Wright Jr.
    Producer
  • Jalaal A. Hayes
    Key Cast
  • Reverend Dr. Tracey Hunter Hayes
    Key Cast
  • Calvin Samuel
    Key Cast
  • Nia Jones
    Key Cast
  • Lewis Quincy Lott
    Key Cast
  • Makeda Greene
    Key Cast
  • Bria Bennett
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    43 minutes 6 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    September 23, 2020
  • Production Budget:
    6,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Jabari Jefferson

Jabari Jefferson is a filmmaker and professional video producer from South East DC. He owns a production company that specializes in documenting and storytelling. His passion for film ignited at Delaware State University where he honed in on his unique perspective to create compelling content through visual storytelling. His current objectives are to continue to expand his production company and be a resource for other visual artists looking to grow their business.

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Director Statement

I connected with Dr. Jalaal Hayes who happened to be a professor at the university I was attending (Delaware State University). At first, I was baffled about how little of an age gap between us yet he was teaching other students. To my surprise, he had earned his doctorate at the age of 22. Even though obtaining a doctorate wasn’t a part of my journey I knew that it took enormous courage to achieve that feat at a young age. We began to build a business relationship that grew into a brief mentorship. From there, I learned more about him and how he successfully chartered his journey. As our relationship grew I knew that his story needed to be seen by the world. It’s not often you find a young Black doctor in the STEM community. After hearing news about his opportunity to speak at the International Applied Energy conference at the University Oxford, I pitched the idea that he should cover his journey to the conference. Dr. Hayes called it Road from Oxford PA to Oxford UK. As we began shooting, a greater story began to unfold which soon became a short documentary. Creating and directing this documentary was a new challenge, however, it was a rewarding experience. From this experience, I know I will continue to bring stories about the amazing people around me to the light in hopes of inspiring, educating, and entertaining others.