Berkeley High School senior Indi Many not only views filmmaking as a way to express his creativity, but also stay connected to his Latino culture. Many started making videos with his brother during the COVID-19 pandemic, inspired by the Ecuadorian YouTubers he saw online. As his skills grew, it provided him with a way to express himself and support his community. More specifically, that included making videos for an indigenous museum in Salasaka, Ecuador.
“I was able to use my video skills to document different clothing and art that they had there on video for them to use on their social media,” Many said.
Back at BHS, he has also put those skills to use in the Puente Program, where he has produced a series of short-form videos in order to inform students about colleges and opportunities. Continuously, representation of Latinx artists on screen has also shaped how Many thinks about his work.
“It’s inspiring to see Latinx characters on screen, especially in roles that empower them, because it shows what you could be,” Many said.
For Many, visibility within online media is a reminder of what can be achieved through his videography. In addition to incorporating his culture into his art, Many also recognizes the importance of diverse perspectives in storytelling.
“The more perspectives you have, the more unique characters you can build because you have more like material to draw from,” Many said.
Through Many’s films, he hopes to show where he comes from and help others see themselves on screen.