Meet the rest of our crew that is heading overseas next week. These team members aren't part of a specific camera crew, but they have jobs that are crucial to the production of this film. Here is a little bit about them and their positions.
Mariana da Silva is a sophomore media arts and studies major from São Paulo, Brazil. She is a missionary’s kid and spent most of her life growing up in South Africa and later lived in Canada before moving to Brazil.
Da Silva is the Associate Producer of the documentary. She said when she first applied for the project, it was about experience and building her resume — but after she was accepted she said it became about more than that.
“What actually got me raising funds to be able to go to Israel was that I felt called by God to go,” shesaid. “This is a way that I get to help spread His kingdom with film and that’s the reason for me to be doing film in the first place.”
Da Silva, like several others in the class, has been working her way through the book of Mark. She said she’s excited to see the locations she has read about in person.
“I’m sure that this experience will strengthen my faith and change the way I read the Bible because I will be able to visualize the things that I read,” she said.
She said she isn’t worried about the trip there so much as the return home.
“.. because of all the immigration tensions going on,” she said. “I am not an American citizen and so they might give me a hard time at the airport coming back and so I’m a little nervous about that – but I trust in God and I’m not among the people that are at risk.”
Hannah Pollok is a senior communications studies major from Bourbonnais, Illinois. Her hobbies include playing outside and collecting Goodwill sweaters. She also said she is fascinated with Jewish history and culture.
Pollok is the producer, editor, and operator of camera c which will be recording behind the scenes footage. She said she has always dreamed of traveling but had never made it outside of the U.S. The project seemed like an opportunity to do what she had dreamed.
“When 2017 started, I decided that 'adventure' would be my word for the year,” she said. “Making a documentary in Israel definitely screams ‘adventure’ to me.”
She said she is excited to be a part of the project and is looking forward to how the trip will impact her faith more.
“I also look forward to seeing what the Holy Spirit does while in the Holy Land. I am certain that walking in the very places that Jesus walked will leave me shaken,” she said.
Pollok isn’t nervous about much except, “looking silly in my hiking boots and swimming in the Dead Sea, but that’s it.”
She feels prepared thanks to her film classes at Trevecca and said she is ready to take this on.
Rachel Perez is a sophomore media arts and studies major from Nashville, Tennessee.
She loves worship, guitars, mangoes, sparkles, and the color pink.
Perez is the production assistant for camera C. She applied for the project to gain more experience, but said she’s most excited about the film’s message.
“It’s perfect for me because I get to combine my biggest passions together: Jesus and Film,” she said. “This opportunity allows our team to film a documentary that will glorify our God.”
She said she can not wait to walk where Jesus walked and try swimming in the Dead Sea. Her only worries are the length of the plain ride and safety while she’s overseas for the first time.
“I’m a bit concerned about safety but I am resting in the Lord, trusting that He will take care of our team,” she said.
Perez couldn’t be more thankful to be at Trevecca and said she owes all of her success in preparing for the trip to Professor Seth Conley.
“Trevecca, through Prof. Conley, has taught me how to handle lighting, audio, cinematography and countless other things. I feel ready to give my best,” she said.
I’m Olivia Kelley. I’m a senior multi-media journalism major from Cincinnati, Ohio. I just returned to Nashville after a semester working and living in New York City. I love writing, singing, traveling, and taking pictures of my kitty, Bella.
I am the journalist for the project and will be writing and editing blog posts as well as managing our social media accounts. My decision to apply for the trip was based solely on the fact that I knew I needed to go to Israel. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity that I could not pass up. I originally didn’t think I would be accepted, because I have little experience in film. However, when I was in New York, Professor Conley messaged me and asked if I knew anyone who would be interested in writing stories and managing social media for the trip. Of course, I was overjoyed, because now I could not only go on the trip, but I had a role that was custom made to fit my skill set.
What is most exciting about going to Israel for me is getting to explore and walk the streets that Jesus walked. I’m positive that I’m not prepared for what that is going to mean to me. I’m also thrilled to have the opportunity to gain experience writing in this type of setting.
I’m only nervous that while I’m in Israel I will get lost and not be able to find my way back to the group, but I’m confident that we will all look out for each other and keep each other safe.
I’ve been lucky to have incredible teachers at Trevecca that have prepared me for this trip. I feel so excited to do my job and do it well and I am already learning so much.
