New documentary examines Parkland after shooting
A new documentary that features students and teachers of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High looks back on the year since the Feb. 14 school massacre in Parkland.
Called “MSD Reflects,’’ the 45-minute film, which can be seen on Youtube.com, honors the 17 students and faculty members that were killed Feb. 14 on campus while also capturing a year-in-the-life of the school since the shooting.
“This video covers the major events of the last year from the inside the school perspective, as well as including interviews with students and teachers and where they are in the healing process,’’ said the school’s broadcast teacher Eric Garner on the documentary’s Youtube page where it was uploaded Monday. The documentary, a followup to last year’s “MSDStrong” was produced by Garner and his broadcast students.
Sitting against a black backdrop, students and faculty speak directly into the camera about their seesaw of feelings and having good and bad days.
“I don’t think that I’m 100 percent,’’ said student Carlos Rodriguez in the opening segment.
“I'd say I’m just kind of numb to it all,’’ said fellow student Augustus Griffin.
The documentary presents the early vigils, the students returning to campus and visits by therapy dogs and Miami Heat champ Dwyane Wade. Footage also highlights students who took part in the “March For Our Lives’’ rallies in Washington D.C. and Parkland. Students are also seen performing at the 72nd Annual Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall last June in New York City where drama teacher Melody Herzfeld was honored with an award for educators .
Also highlighted in the piece was the unveiling last month of “Project Grow Love,’’ the memorial garden. As the documentary concludes, students and faculty seem to have a more optimistic point of view.
“Every day, is just a step forward,’’ said Herzfeld.
Science teacher Kyle Jeter summed up the documentary with, “try to focus on the positives as much as possible.”
The documentary is one of several recent projects about the Parkland community and the school shooting. Last week, ESPN debuted “Parkland 17” which chronicled the school’s football team the Eagles forging ahead without their assistant coach Aaron Feis. And HBO also presented "Song of Parkland” about the school’s theater students putting on a production.