A new film and video initiative
Scene + Heard is a new initiative by Elevate Destinations, designed to empower youth in underrepresented communities through visual storytelling in film and video, thereby contributing to a more authentic depiction of the destinations we serve.
While the world is afloat in visual content, the voices and messages by underrepresented youth often don’t find a platform, and the emphasis in social media is on quick sound bites of experience, designed to get “likes” rather than the opportunity to communicate their experience and stories more deeply.
Storytelling in action
- Elevate Destinations sponsors courses to teach and facilitate storytelling though video and film and provides equipment and teaching to this end.
- Students have access to high-quality video equipment and instruction.
- Young filmmakers receive support on every step of the process — identifying topics that resonate in their lives, writing scripts, and learning the technical details of creating a film.
Outcome and Distribution
The goal of Scene + Heard is to produce and share videos/films that more deeply express the perspectives and artistry of youth in communities that are underrepresented in the global content-sphere and to empower youth in the process. Distribution will be sought at live international events and digitally, allowing audiences to see destinations through the lens of those who live there.
On March 15, 2024, the inaugural screening for Scene + Heard was held in partnership with The Leo Project at the Matatu Main Stage in Nanyuki, Kenya. Watch the videos that their students created.
Elevate Destinations’ Scene + Heard project was a finalist for a prestigious PURE Award. In their words: “It is an opportunity to showcase the extraordinary work and projects that push what is possible in experiential travel.”
As a result of Scene + Heard, The Leo Project has been able to build a Media Lab, designed to provide ongoing livelihood and showcase the visual storytelling skills of Kenyan creatives. Learn more
Partners
Elevate Destinations partners with community organizations worldwide that are already working to empower youth.
Our first partner is The Leo Project in Kenya. The Leo Project believes that everyone should have the right to access educational and health services and is piloting, implementing, and sustaining programs as a means to unite, empower and — most importantly — drive social change.
Elevate is currently working to identify a second Scene + Heard community partner for 2026.
About Elevate Destinations
Elevate Destinations is a luxury tour operator that facilitates sustainable and philanthropic journeys worldwide. Elevate Destinations’ Buy A Trip, Give A Trip initiative sponsors excursions for local youth to get to see sights in their own backyard that are usually reserved for tourists, contributing to the democratization of travel.
