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Viewpoints@DX21: Videos and voices of Coachella Valley youth.

Made by emerging creatives at Desert Hot Springs High School and alumni of prior Desert X educational programs, this video series explores the exhibition’s 2021 installations. Using varied aesthetic and narrative approaches, from video journalism to personal storytelling and experimental film structures, the series showcases the unique voices and perspectives of Coachella Valley youth as they investigate and respond to the artworks of Desert X.

Over two months, the students worked with Desert X educators and staff through virtual classes, site visits, and individual studio chats to learn about the exhibition, meet with artists, develop their scripts, and enhance their filmmaking skills.

Jennifer Reynoso — 4/2

4/2 deconstructs Alicja Kwade’s ParaPivot (sempiternal clouds) and depicts the process of creating a relationship with an art piece. Jennifer Reynoso was born and raised in the Coachella Valley. She is graduating in May 2021 with a BFA in Film/Video from California Institute of the Arts. Her focus is in documentary work and most of her creative work is centered around family. Instagram: @jenjen0627

Sedona Cruz — Many Can’t See What’s Right In Front Of Them

Four metal doors and a windshield can create such an intimate space. Inspired by Xaviera Simmons’ billboard project, this piece explores the ins and outs of the experience inside the car and looking out the window to see what’s going on outside. Sedona Cruz is a Queer, Latinx filmmaker from Palm Springs studying Film and Video at California Institute of the Arts. Their work primarily focuses on the self and understanding identity in the context of queerness and especially adolescence. Instagram: @that_original_nerd / Website: sedonacruz.weebly.com

Jennifer Duran — A Drop of Hope

This video explores the multiple meanings of Serge Attukwei Clottey’s installation, The Wishing Well, and how the Kufour gallons are interpreted differently in Palm Springs compared to Ghana. Jennifer Duran is a a film major at College of the Desert. She love movies, music, and playing video games. Her dream in the future is to be a content creator, a makeup artist, and editor. Instagram: @nse_jennifer / Twitch: twitch.tv/notjlo


Desert Hot Springs High School, TV/Video Arts Pathway

The Making of Zahrah Alghamdi’s What Lies Behind the Walls — Directed by Santino Vaca

The Passenger — Directed by Edith Ortega

Alicja Kwade’s ParaPivot — Directed by Mable Phillips


Viewpoints Creative Team

1/4

Fernanda Agatan
Shayla Ammeter-Welch
Janessa Baza-Lazalde
Sedona Cruz
Jennifer Duran
Salvador Meza
Edith Ortega
Jennifer Reynosa
Mable Phillips
Kayley Quinoñes
Santino Vaca
Jamie O’Neil, M.Ed., Media Adviser, Desert Hot Springs High School
Max Finneran, Education Producer, Desert X