LIFE THROUGH A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE BY JACKINA FARSHTEY
Filmmaker and social activist Shawn Antoine II ’14 captured vivid images of India’s daily life in his latest film “Days in Delhi.”
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2016
75 YEARS
I
f the eyes are the windows to the soul,
I was blown away at how much less these people
then the camera lens is the conscience of
have, yet they are extremely thankful. They still
the human experience. Raw, honest, and
have smiles on their faces. This makes me even
unapologetic, the lens is an eyewitness to
more grateful for what I have.” He also witnessed
the unbridled truths of life. Filmmaker and
a country that is coping with brisk growth and
social activist Shawn Antoine II ’14 captured vivid
the expansion of the middle class. India’s long
images of India’s daily life in his latest film “Days
term growth looks promising due to its rapidly
in Delhi.” The film chronicles his journey through
developing service sector. After three months of
India’s populous capital city. Antoine encountered
editing and preparation, the project was screened
inquisitive young faces dressed in jeweled-tone
at the Rhode Island School of Design on April 26th.
fabrics in many communities throughout New Delhi. Through the lens he discovered the very
This Hayesman’s strong passion for social change
essence of India’s mystique.
is the driving force behind his documentary films. In his cinematic projects, Antoine hopes
India is a place of breathtaking beauty but also a
to amplify the conversation on pressing social
land that faces social and economic challenges.
issues. What may come as a surprise to many is that he is a novice in the industry. His first film “The Movement: Black Lives Matter” was released
“I AM SELF-MOTIVATED AND CURIOUS AS TO WHAT PEOPLE ARE DOING. WITH MY FILMS I AM TRYING TO FIND WAYS TO IMPACT SOCIETY AND BROADEN THEIR VIEWS.”
in 2015. Antoine used the film as a platform for college students across the country who wanted their voices heard in an effective manner. The film was so well received that Antoine won the first ever Africana Studies Innovation Award. The budding filmmaker already has an impressive resume that rivals many seasoned cinematographers.
In 2015, Antoine was also nominated His trip to India came at the urging of his college professor. When the University of Rhode Island sophomore visited India last summer, he found a people filled with enthusiasm and a culture bound by a strong spiritual foundation. “I didn’t know what
for the Student Leadership Award Rainville and won the Diversity for Cultural Arts Award from the University of Rhode Island.
to expect. I decided to go and record my time there.
COLLECTOR’S EDITION
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Since graduating from Cardinal Hayes in 2014, Antoine has been on an upward trajectory. His schedule is packed with academic and creative pursuits. He has a double major in Public Relations and Economics and is actively involved in many on-campus clubs. He aspires to earn a PhD and become a college professor. For Antoine his success is a direct result of his time at Hayes. “Coaches Joseph, O’Neil, and George were influential people
“COACHES JOSEPH, O’NEIL, AND GEORGE WERE INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE IN MY LIFE. THEY WERE FATHER FIGURES TO ME.”
in my life. They were father figures to me. They raised me from a boy to a man. My advice to the students at Hayes is to listen to the administration. They have your best interest at heart. Embrace