Your Necklace
Kayla L.
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“Your Necklace” is a personal narrative that explores the social isolation I struggled with as a young girl, and how I received kindness from older students to find my voice and lead with compassion. As a director, I was inspired to create this film because of its full-circle arc: I (like young Kali in my film) once needed to be included, while I now work to include others. My goal was to show how those who actively include others, like Anna in my film, can change lives—and, hopefully, encourage my peers to be more inclusive. In the film, current-day Kali’s friend remarks on her confidence: “You must have always been this way!” In reality, I know it took many people to make me the person I am today, and this film is ultimately a note of gratitude towards them.
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Creativity is what makes humans different than robots (or—ahem—AI, even). For me, it means ”painting with light,” also known as filmmaking.