Effecting Change Through Film
Mitch St. Pierre believes that the most effective way to influence change is through media. “I want to contribute to society by serving society,” he says. “The best way to prepare for that is to learn as much about the world as possible by traveling and film-making.” Through documentary film, Mitch aims to raise public awareness of different conflicts around the world.
Mitch, who has a brittle bone condition called osteogenesis imperfecta and uses a wheelchair, has accomplished a great deal toward realizing his goals. With a background in Business Studies, he has become a world traveler, documentary filmmaker, political staffer and community leader. Mitch has traveled to over 40 countries, including China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Mexico, Haiti, Colombia, Peru, and Cuba. In the video below, called "Beyond Borders," Mitch introduces himself against the colorful backdrops of these destinations. (Transcript follows) Visit Mitch St. Pierre's website to view more of his travel footage, interviews, and documentaries.
Transcript of "Beyond Borders" video:
[Film shows Mitch quickly moving through a large building in a wheelchair, then riding a boat in Thailand.]
Mitch’s voice: Hi. My name is Mitch St. Pierre. I’m 28 years old, from Ottawa, Canada. But don’t think you’ll find me here! Any chance I get, I’m out traveling the world and experiencing everything it has to offer.
[Film shows Mitch on a boat along the Guyane-Suriname border. Over the loud motor, Mitch shouts, “We’re now crossing the border through Suriname via riverboat.”]
[Film shows men carrying Mitch in his wheelchair up flight of stairs; Mitch looking over a cityscape; Mitch speaking with a reporter.]
Mitch’s voice: Traveling in a wheelchair can have its challenges, but at the end of the day, the only true barriers are the ones that exist within our minds. Over the past few years, I’ve had the opportunity to travel to many exotic places, from the jungles of South America all the way to the ancient temples in Asia…
Unidentified man’s voice: Mitch St. Pierre is a filmmaker whose film, “The Border,” will be shown on Friday. He’s with me in the studio.
[Film shows newspaper headline about a “Train-Hopping grad,” includes a photo of Mitch. Cuts to images of boxcars.]
Mitch’s voice: …even freight train-hopping in North America.
Unidentified woman’s voice: While the hobo lifestyle has a strong pull for some romantics out there, it’s also pretty daunting. Even more so if you’re three feet tall and get around in a wheelchair.
[Black and white footage of Mitch riding a train; old-time folk music plays, lyrics about riding a freight train.]
Mitch’s voice: Me and my wheelchair have been everywhere together. Of course, experiences are meant to be shared. And who would I rather share them with than some good friends?
[Film shows men lifting Mitch’s wheelchair into a truck. Mitch rides next to it, while others follow on scooters.]
Mitch’s voice: Together, we have documented everything from exotic cultures to human rights issues, not to mention interviewing some of the world’s most influential people along the way.
[Film shows Noam Chomsky, MIT professor, author and philosopher, speaking.]
Here’s your chance to join us as we take you beyond the borders of everyday life and into some of the most amazing places the world has to offer.
[Film shows Mitch and his friends traveling; large Asian city at night; waterfalls in Argentina.]
