Crysta Perak’s goal is simple, to create and tell inspiring stories.
A 2010 graduate of the Film and Video Production program at College of the North Atlantic (CNA), Crysta and a travel companion are embarking on a journey to Peru where she will create a documentary about their many experiences.
Crysta, who is originally from Salisbury, New Brunswick, created her first documentary entitled
Discovering My Roots as a student at the Bay St. George campus. She says the trip to Peru will be her biggest project yet.
“It's not (bigger) because of the budget, but because of the questions this film will ask and maybe answer for the young people of today, and even the older generation who have questions about their youth in general,” Crysta explains.
“As young people, we think we know who we are but in reality, we don't. We are confused and always asking questions and seeking answers.”
She says some people who haven't discovered the answers to these questions may wonder who they are and what’s missing in their lives.
“We desire meaning, and along with this desire, we need it,” Crysta continues. “It's not how we desire a chocolate bar, money, or a car. This desire comes from deep within you - the heart.”
She hopes to answer some of those questions through a film about meaningful people. The project will be possible through Teen Journey, a program for youth to develop their personal power and leadership potential.
According to Crysta, on this once in a lifetime journey to Cusco, Peru, they will encounter Peruvian tradition and wisdom that has been passed on for generations throughout several small communities. She says these communities have been connected to each other for hundreds, if not thousands, of years.
“I feel this experience will expand the vision I have of myself, and other young people around me. Maya, my roommate, who is 16 will take this journey with me. I feel like she will be the catalyst as I watch her discover her meaning and passions.”
Crysta, who will be entering the third-year Motion Picture Arts program at Capilano University in North Vancouver, BC, hopes this trip will help her discover herself as a filmmaker. She feels by filming and experiencing the cultural and social experience, she will further develop her sense of self.
“I want to support youth like Maya to aspire to their dreams, while at the same time developing mine as well. As we experience the world, our dreams are ever changing, and I feel this journey to Peru will promote this change in a positive direction – it will help us grow intellectually and spiritually with the chance to learn about other indigenous cultures.”
For more information about Crysta’s project, visit http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/why-peru.
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Media Contact:
Glenda McCarthy
Public Relations Specialist
College of the North Atlantic
709.643.6408
glenda.mccarthy@cna.nl.ca