Backpack Journalism at Creighton University is a collaboration between the Theology Department and the Journalism, Media, & Computing Department. It came about because of a theologian interested in social justice and filmmaking and a journalist and an artist interested in filmmaking and social justice.
Each summer, a small group of students travels to a community in search of a story. Led by professors Dr. John O’Keefe, Tim Guthrie, and Carol Zuegner, the students immerse themselves in the communities, interviewing, filming, recording, and writing. When they return to Creighton, they take the stories they have collected and develop them into a short documentary film. The Backpack Journalism documentaries have been accepted at several film festivals, including the Omaha Film Festival. The class has traveled to such far-flung places as the Dominican Republic and Uganda, Bethel Alaska and Nogales Arizona/Sonora. The next project is tentatively planned for Northern Uganda in 2018.
For more information or to apply to participate in the Uganda 2018 project, contact Dr. John O’Keefe (jokeefe@creighton.edu) or Dr. Carol Zuegner (carolzuegner@creighton.edu).
What she said
Ha.
Carol,
Please know we are reading the blogs and enjoying the stories and observations. Although it is difficult to experience in the same manner as you all are, we are so thrilled that the students are able to have this wonderful experience. More importantly, they are giving of themselves to a different culture in hopes of making a difference. Thanks for the sacrifice you are making as well.
All of you are inspirations to all of us. You are creating memories that will last forever and affect the rest of your life in ways you may not realize now. Enjoy every day !
Carol, Tim, John the Elder (yes, that name will definitely stick, as long as John isn’t holding a pointed stick), and all of the fabulous companions sharing this journey,
Thank you for sharing and know that we’re following your progress and anxiously awaiting the next film’s debut screening! Creighton is blessed to have this program.