20 Nov NiteCap Journal: Why VI High Schoolers?

When deciding who would be the first to view Paradise Discovered: The Unbreakable Virgin Islanders 2.0 it was hard not to think about hurricanes Irma and Maria.

I reflected on how the larger world ignored our community’s pain and the divine strength we as Virgin Islanders unearthed having to save each other, making us superheroes in the process. I felt the conventional screening route of hosting the first advance screening with journalists, film executives and the usual who’s who of Hollywood wouldn’t do our story justice.

After all, where were they during our distress?

Instead, I chose our Virgin Islands high schoolers to be the first to see Unbreakable 2.0, because in all honesty, I value their opinion more. However, I know teenagers on the brink of transitioning to college are the toughest critics, because unlike adults, they haven’t yet been schooled in the art of political correctness. I knew they would be brutally honest in their support or disdain for the film. I’m always unsure, as is the creator’s path, an uncertain journey where purpose must trump ego. Your work only matters if your audience deems it worthy, because the art itself is to serve them, not your fantasy.

They loved it.

You can view more scenes from the screenings on St. Thomas and St. Croix here: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4. 

These recent screenings with Ivanna Eudora Kean, Charlotte Amalie High, Central High and the St. Croix Educational Complex students have been the most inspiring chapter in this ongoing Unbreakable saga thus far. The fact that our islands’ future was so enamored by our story portrayed on the big screen has further emboldened me to my purpose and Unbreakable’s role as the driving force helping to develop the region’s film industry.

It’s also why I chose to get off the political fence and step into the arena by publicly endorsing USVI Governor Albert Bryan’s reelection bid citing how as a progressive leader he’s helping to create a climate of growth and development. As I explained here we’re currently in a VI Renaissance with social media giving us the tools to write and share our story, hence, curate our history in real time. I thank our flagship partner USVI Department of Tourism, USVI Economic Development Authority and the UVI RT Park for supporting the development of Unbreakable 2.0. I also appreciate our Virgin Islands Department of Education for allowing our high schoolers to take part in this unprecedented journey. 

Stay tuned for more as we get ready for the Unbreakable 2.0 tour. In the meantime, you can watch the first Unbreakable film here now streaming on Tubi.

It’s truly a great time to be a Virgin Islander. 

We welcome your feedback to our NiteCap Journal series so feel free to leave a comment below and read our previous entries.
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