In 2010 — prior to our current I AM THIS LAND story-telling project — Breakthrough launched the I AM THIS LAND contest on diversity. Please check out the submissions below.
In addition to #of votes, videos were judged on:
• Overall impact – (positive message about diversity, story-telling, feeling we’re left with after watching)
• Creativity
– Use your imagination and be creative in how participants use the words, I AM THIS LAND
• Use of visuals – (photos, video effects, b-roll)
Genevieve L.
Seattle, WA
This short documentary explores mixed identities and racial ambiguity. The film challenges our tendency to categorize people, and redefines our concept of diversity. How do mixed people influence our concept of diversity in America? How will ambiguous identities affect America’s identity as a nation? What will the future look like?
Beth L.
Sherman Oaks, CA
A small change in perception has the potential to change the world.
Eliyas Q.
Jersey City, NJ
Diversity exists all over this land and Sameena stands up for who she is. A young teenage American Girl not torn between cultures but embracing all the facets of herself. She is American and she is Muslim. She represents the youth of this nation.
Todd J.
Central Islip, NY
What will the citizens of Diver City do when a wave threatens their home —- and they realize they’ve banished all those who may have the talents to save them!?
Aim D.
Chandler, AZ
We climb a mountain and decide to use it as the setting for our entry.
Todd L.
Los Angeles, CA
If everything and everyone were the same, life would be a pretty mundane and tasteless experience.
Gola T.
Rainbow City, AL
My video covers what I think of when I think of the United States. I did it from a third person aspect as putting myself in my country’s shoes and what my country tells me it is, not what I say it is even if I do agree with it.
Suhir P.
Belle Mead, NJ
I made this as the person in front of the camera as well as the person behind the camera. It is only possible in this land to leave the camera unattended far away and shoot..
Dave S.
Rochester, NY
This is our entry for the “I Am This Land” contest. It is a parody of “Twilight” and tells a great story about how some people act toward those of different races. We hope you enjoy!
Emmerson Y.
Salt Lake City, UT
An adaptation of Pastor Martin Neimoller’s “They Came For Me,” Part One is a reminder of all that has happened to our many people in this land, and abroad. In order to understand the beauty and positivity of this message, be sure to watch AND vote for part two of this video!
Emmerson Y.
Salt Lake City, UT
The second part of our video calls all viewers to action. This finale reminds us that we are not alone in our communities, and that our land is made of many different faces and stories. The challenge after watching is not to focus just on the story that sounds like ours, but to remember that it is the other, the ...
Eliyas Q.
Jersey City, NJ
A young boy decides he is going to come out and tell his parents he’s gay. He assumes his parents are not going to accept the fact. He prepares himself for the worse.
Johnathon K.
Charleston, SC
iamthisland is a video made by Matthew Kane a 4 year old, who addresses racism and humanity. One world, One People everyone is equal.
Luke M.
Fenton, MI
Diversity is more than just race, it encompasses all of who we are as individuals, and as a nation. We are calling on all Americans to stop the rhetoric, and listen to one another. If we as a nation would begin this discussion, we can begin to become one land, and one nation.
Mushtaq D.
Hilliard, OH
Diversity is our commonality, without it this world would be culture-less, language-less and over all taste-less. Let us celebrate our differences.
Dillon P.
Queens, NY
During class, a young man imagines the infinite possibilities of identity. Video, sound, and animation are playfully woven together to create a layered exploration of gender, cultural expression, and racial stereotypes.
Ben R.
Los Angeles, CA
we, a people as diverse as this sprawling landscape throw off guarded fears and hidden prejudices for our fertile soil knows neither race, sex, color, nor creed
Suhir P.
Belle Mead, NJ
Who is this land? Keep your hopes high. Learn from the past and present and envision great things for the future. It is your land as much as mine. We are this land.
Ivan B.
Clarkston, MI
Instead of contriving a video from images that were easily accessible and ideas that were simple, I decided somewhere along the line that I wanted to be really honest with this video. It started as an attempt to make some money, but turned into a search for truth and beauty. Beauty is alive in all of us. I hope the ...
Gail Harper Y.
Birmingham, AL
This is a video directed and produced by Ms. Yeilding’s English Language Arts classes at Tarrant Middle High School. We have been celebrating Martin Luther King’s legacy all week by making this video, serving our teachers, and celebrating diversity in all that we do.
Emily B.
West Chester, PA
My sister is an inspiration for my life, she now attends a boarding school with kids from all over the world and has never learned discrimination, to them they are all the same and their differences is what makes them such great friends. This is a video put together mostly by them, and shared by me.
