Mattie endured one of the most heart-wrenching tragedies a mother can experience—losing a child. Her quest for healing led her to an unforgettable moment on stage, singing alongside musician Michael Franti.
I had the privilege of producing this poignant piece for USA Today’s Humankind series, working closely with David Hamlin and Zachary Fink. Michael Franti was set to debut his new song “The Flower,” featuring Victoria Canal, at The Fillmore in San Francisco. The song, imbued with a powerful message about healing from violence, was the perfect backdrop for our story.
As we delved deeper, we discovered that one of the individuals performing with Franti was a mother who had lost her son to gun violence. We decided to shift our focus from Franti to her, believing that her personal journey profoundly embodied the song’s essence.
I served as the editor and second camera operator for this project, ensuring that every frame conveyed the depth of emotion and the strength of the human spirit.