Restorative Filmmaking - Exploring the Narrative with Jalyn Baity

Restorative Works!

The Restorative Works! Podcast is one year old! Thank you for listening! Welcome to season 2! Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Jalyn Baity to the Restorative Works! Podcast. Jalyn speaks with us about his recent film production, "STATISTICS.” Adapted from a poem he wrote, the narrative follows DJ, a grieving and misguided youth, as he reconciles the impact his environment has on him and the pursuit of his potential. The film challenges the idea that the youth are limited by their circumstances and preconceived ideas. Jalyn gives examples of diverse languages of storytelling, including filmmaking, poetry, and art, as tools for self-expression. His work is not just about telling stories but empowering young people to become authors of their narratives. From exposing Detroit students to local art through the Detroit Perspectives Project to conducting workshops that ignite self-exploration, Jalyn shares powerful insights into the tools youth need to share their stories authentically. Jalyn is a filmmaker, writer, director, mentor, and creative entrepreneur. Jalyn has taken on roles as an ambassador and mentor with My Brother's Keeper Alliance and is a teaching artist through organizations like Capturing Belief, whose mantra is, “No one should be able to tell your story better than you.” Jalyn has been honored for his work in those roles as a 2023 Skillman BMe Vanguard. He is a contributing artist to the DPSCD Detroit Perspective Project and has successfully completed his latest narrative film production, “STATISTICS.” Jalyn’s portfolio includes both personal narratives inspired by his childhood and award-winning documentaries. His focus is on restorative practices and transformative changes within Detroit aimed at fostering more equitable futures and changing the narratives assigned to Black children and families. Tune in to learn more about Jalyn’s film and community work and perspective on authentic storytelling.