Across the Mekong: Verve Art Scholarship Essay - Anthony Jordan Alvarez My grandparents escaped Laos in 1975, crossed into Thailand, lived in a refugee camp, and eventually moved to America in 1980. I had the privilege of sharing their story in a documentary titled "Across the Mekong." This project was not only a significant creative milestone for me, but also a turning point that shaped my identity as an artist. Growing up, I didn’t fully grasp the weight of certain truths, particularly my family's history. However, in 2025, I decided to document their experiences fully. I filmed, edited, and crafted their memories into a visual narrative that honored their resilience and preserved a history that many in my generation never had the chance to hear directly. It was my way of conveying: “This matters. You matter. And we are still here.” Working on "Across the Mekong" transformed my perspective on my goals as a filmmaker. It’s no longer just about creating beautiful visuals. It's about truth-telling, capturing voices that often go unheard, and using the camera to bridge gaps between generations, cultures, and worlds. For me, photography and film are languages that allow us to carry forward our legacy, reframe our understanding of the past, and shape a more compassionate future. This project also marked the moment I truly embraced my role as a storyteller. For years, I edited wedding films, branded content, and music videos, all of which taught me essential technical skills and creative discipline. This film, however, was deeply personal. It demanded vulnerability and challenged me to ask tougher questions and trust my creative instincts. In doing so, it provided me with a deeper sense of purpose. That's the kind of work I want to create more of. This is why "Across the Mekong" is my favorite piece in my portfolio. It’s not just a film, it’s a record of survival, resilience, and truth. This still frame of my grandparents is not staged or softened, it's a real moment. It captures a moment in their story that holds deep weight. That’s what art means to me: capturing something honest and offering it to others, hoping they’ll see themselves in it as well. This is why "Across the Mekong" is my favorite piece in my portfolio. It’s not just a film; it’s a love letter to my family, my heritage, and every untold story waiting to be heard.