Sunday March 10th, was the Premiere date of the “Humans of EMIS” documentary. It was the peak of a journey that our intern Jaime started 8 months ago with some EMIS students. We thank those who came to the Premiere and those who participated via Zoom. You should stay tuned because the “Humans of EMIS” project is not over yet…
Wow.
It is hard for me to fully grasp what is happening. It feels a bit surreal and I struggle to find the right words to describe this feeling.
Thank you to everyone who came and to everyone who tuned in on Zoom. I appreciate your love and support.
The circle is closing. This is the end of this journey.
A journey of listening. A journey of experimentation, persistence and a journey of love.
It was a journey filled with uncomfortable questions and courageous answers.
But also a journey of frustration and emotional distress. Times where I thought all of this was just crazy.
But above it all, it was a journey of growth.
However, my journey didn't start 6 months ago and not even a year ago, when I first dreamed about making Humans of EMIS. My journey started almost 3 years ago, when a shy little Jaime walked out of Ben Gurion airport, confused but ready to dive into the unknown and explore this new school.
What I like to believe is that all of us have a little seed inside us, the core of our soul. This seed represents our human potential. All we need is the right soil and the right water for this seed to grow. Well, my parents created a fertile soil and planted the seed, but the people I met and the experiences I had at EMIS were the water that made that seed grow, slowly giving life to the tree I am today.
EMIS has this magical power. It allows people to express their full potential and bloom into incredible trees, full of light and love. All these individuals, even if at different stages of growth, belong to the same forest. This forest is the EMIS community.
And when these trees come together to work on something, miracles happen. This movie is really the result of an intense collaborative effort. I truly believe the entirety of the EMIS community made this documentary. Not just the people actively involved in its realization. Everyone contributed in their own way. Humans of EMIS was supposed to be a small 10 min video.
If it became what it is today, it is not only thanks to the hard work of the people involved, but also thanks to the constant inspiration and support I received over the past 6 months. Every small interaction and conversation I had stimulated my creative process, pushing me to dive deeper into this project.
Now I would like to make an open invitation to all current students: yes, EMIS waters your seed, it gives you opportunities and great experiences. But at the end of the day, it is up to you to extrapolate the nutrients from this water. You have to make the decision to embrace your growth process. Even if the journey will be difficult and uncomfortable. Find something you are curious about and explore it. If you put your mind to it, you truly are able to achieve anything. If we managed to make a 45 min movie with no budget and no experience, what is holding you back?
My journey is still long, but this chapter is over. I will continue taking care of my little tree, making sure it is exposed to the right environment, that it receives the right water and I invite you to do the same. Reflect, embrace your growth and take risks. But most of all, treasure these memories inside you and be grateful for these beautiful people. Every day.
We shall always belong to the forest of the humans of EMIS.
Watch the full speech that the director Jaime Musso gave at the Premiere opening HERE
Link to previous Humans of Emis Journal