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Call for Video Submissions

Monsoon is conducting a community oral history project to preserve the wisdom of our Asian elders (Age 65+) in Iowa for future generations to come, and we want to include your family story! We are looking forward to a diverse sampling of your stories to capture the wisdom and strengths of the elders in our Asian community.

Follow the filming instructions below and submit your video files today. The deadline to submit is Saturday, September 30, 2023.  Please note that not all video footage submissions will make it into the final cut of the video.

Film Your Video

You do not need a fancy video camera to film – simply use your smartphone or smart device! We ask that the elder(s) being interviewed be seated about 3-feet away from the cameraperson while filming. Please no selfies.

For assistance on filming your video, Monsoon will offer two open sessions to record videos for elders or get technical assistance:

  • Tuesday, August 15, 12:00 – 1:00 PM (CDT)
  • Tuesday, August 22, 12:00 – 1:00 PM (CDT)

For further assistance, please contact Monsoon’s Community Health Outreach Coordinator, Audri Lu-Uhlken, at audri@monsooniowa.org

Lights & Sound
Please make sure there are no windows behind the interviewee, or else the footage will have white/light reflecting off the camera. Ideally, have some light source on the interviewee’s face – either natural light or other lighting.

The best tip for good audio is to try to record in a relatively quiet place – and avoid any sort of distracting background noise.

Action

The cameraperson and/or interviewer should hold the phone in landscape mode. This creates a wide lens (sideways), not up-and-down. A tip for iPhones – tap the interviewee’s face on the screen to focus before recording. Camera stands are recommended, if not, try to keep the shot as steady as possible.

What to Say in Your Video:

The cameraperson should ask the following questions:

  1. Describe your favorite childhood memory
  2. What are you most proud of in your life?
  3. What life advice would you give to your grandchildren or great-grandchildren? (If they do not have grandchildren or great-grandchildren, ask about the next generation)

If possible, participants are encouraged to submit your videos in the elder’s native language to help preserve our elder’s languages.

Video Tips:

  • Have fun!!!
  • Feel free to film in the comfort of your home or elder’s home
  • At the end of the video, show the elder a gesture of gratitude (ex: hug, thank you, I love you)

 

How to Upload Your Videos

When you are finished with your video(s), please upload them here: https://forms.gle/WxTgsfj5mrk9vvoC7

If you have problems with Google Forms, you can also send or share your files with audri@monsooniowa.org.

Contact Information

Monsoon will only use your contact information to confirm your submission, and to communicate with you if we have further questions regarding your submission.

 

User Agreement

I hereby authorize Monsoon Asians & Pacific Islanders in Solidarity to use and edit the submitted video content – my name, interviewee’s name, image, voice and participation in and performance on film, tape, or otherwise for use in the stated project “The Legacy of Asian Elders: Oral History Project” or parts thereof – for no profit. I agree that the footage may be edited and otherwise altered at the sole discretion of the Producers, and used in whole or in part for any and all broadcasting, non-broadcasting, audio/visual, and/or exhibition purposes in any manner or media.