While I'm away.

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Emmy-nominated documentary film maker Kelly Whalen, went on assignment in Eastern & Central Europe for 3 months. She had the terribly important opportunity to teach and mentor young journalists from disenfranchised communities, how to tell their stories on film. Documenting the Roma lifestyle and migration, telling the stories of youth and families from 5 countries. The Roma are Europe's largest minority group and face widespread social exclusion and discrimination. "We told many stories getting at the challenges for Roma, but also tried to surface stories of hope, featuring individuals and their families that were managing to break through and achieve their dreams." Kelly's husband and young son were able to join her during part of the assignment. For the weeks that they would be apart, Kelly left an envelope of love notes for her son to read when he missed her and before he went to bed. What a touching ritual!