WHERE PATHS MEET

OVERVIEW

Where Paths Meet is an intimate mini-documentary showcasing the powerful connections and personal growth fostered by North Hennepin Community College's outdoor courses. This film is the second installment of student stories in our collaboration with College Professor, Ana Muno.

CHALLENGE

This story transformed twice before filming began and once more during production as a new storyline emerged. Solo filming made it harder to adjust, but focusing on the keyword "connection" kept the story grounded. 

CLIENT

North Hennepin Community College

TEAM

Danami-Maurice Champion

SERVICES

Story Strategy
Project Management
Filming
Editing

FILM SYNOPSIS

An outdoor adventure tests students,
leading to connection and growth.
 Where Paths Meet follows a diverse group of students as they navigate leadership, teamwork, and personal growth in an immersive, nature-based setting. Through shared challenges—whether learning to bond with strangers, exploring the wilderness, or reflecting on the meaning of connection—the students discover new strengths within themselves and each other.

STORY STRATEGY

Allowing the Story to Unfold

Initially focused on a different character, the story shifted to Kaja, a re-turning student and now youth leader. As filming progressed, a new layer emerged—Kaja’s natural role in supporting Corvine, someone initially resistant to being filmed.

This unexpected arc reshaped the film’s direction, requiring attentiveness and adaptability to follow where the story naturally unfolded.

Defined Keyword Purpose
The central keyword, "connection," became the foundation as the story evolved. Seeing connection was important and explore.
 
  • Student Leaders: Young people serving others.
  • Connection: Forming deep bonds with others.
  • Educators & Mentors: Those facilicating spaces for  youth to connect.
  • Building Community: Developing a supportive tribe.
  • Step Outside Comfort Zones: Build deep relationships.
Character Finding
Our pre-interviewe process was to discover Kaja as story heart and main character. However, the story expanded when her geuniune support for Corvine surfaced.

Corvine’s eventual willingness to be filmed added emotional depth, requiring real-time adjustments to capture her evolving role.
Story Development
Each night, tiny idea breadcrumbs led to new paths, requiring on-the-spot decisions to adjust interviews, refocus shot lists, and incorporate new perspectives.

What began as a leadership story became a deeper exploration of how young leaders bridge personal struggles with communal responsibilities—with Kaja and Corvine’s evolving dynamic at its heart.
 
  • Hook: A diverse group of students enters the wilderness, stepping into the unknown. 
  • Conflict: Corvine admits discomfort around new people. 
  • Initiation: Kaja begins planning how to support Corvine.
  • Journey: Shared experiences break barriers, and Corvine starts engaging.
  • Resolution: Corvine embraces the moment, allowing herself to be seen and connect with others.
  • Jab: What does connection mean to you?
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"
You captured Corvine’s personal journey and the power of connection beautifully.  

 Jo Lee, Educator and Mentor

STORY APPROACH

Blending Elements of Participatory and Observational Filmmaking

We prioritized capturing real, unscripted moments while staying as unobtrusive as possible, letting events unfold naturally but, stepping in when needed.

The filming distance was adjusted over time, moving closer to subjects for richer visuals and audio while ensuring they felt comfortable and authentic on camera.

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THE OUTCOME

Bringing Experiential Education to Life

Following its initial screening, the film has been shown at multiple events, resonating deeply with audiences. A Colorado screening drew 40 attendees, sparking gasps, laughter, and powerful reactions.

A board member and outdoor educator praised the film for capturing the essence of experiential education, making it accessible to those unfamiliar with its impact.

List of Screenings
  • North Hennepin CC Screening, MN, Oct. 2024 
  • CAEE Conference, CO, Nov. 2024  

Ready to bring your impact to life? Let’s chat.

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