Spy Hop believes that youth media matters.
Whether through film, music, or design, the Salt Lake City nonprofit empowers youth to hone their creativity and create fully realized works of art. On June 26, from 7–9 p.m. at the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art, Spy Hop’s REEL STORIES students will debut documentary short films they wrote, shot, directed and edited in just three weeks.
This year’s films explore everything from caffeine addiction to fashion subcultures, puppy training to existential coming-of-age dread. But more than anything, they offer a rare, unfiltered look at what it means to be young and creative in a world that often undervalues both.
The films
“I think I just wanted to remind kids to be kids,” said 17-year-old Leini Tui, whose short film “In Between” explores the transition between adolescence and adulthood. Her film is equal parts reflective and vulnerable. She wanted to express how teens are navigating the strange space between high school and becoming an adult.
15-year-old Eden Strayer focused on fashion as personal storytelling. Her documentary “Fashion Aficionado” highlights people with bold, individual styles and what inspires them. She wanted to show how individualized and unique fashion is from person to person.
Adrien Q’s film “Everyone’s Addicted” investigates caffeine culture and invites audiences to reflect on their own habits. Hailey W’s “Eyes of the Beholder” delves into the constant importance of art. Edgar Castro, an automotive photographer, created “Passion,” a deep dive into the car enthusiast community. He wanted “people who don’t get it to at least get a glimpse of what these people that are passionate about cars see,” he said.
Alex Scholl focuses on people who raise guide dogs, and Blake Bates’ “Tone” examines how musicians embed personality in their sound.
“It’s like, the first time I’ve had this kind of an opportunity to make a film,” Blake said. “I’ve taken video classes at school, but this has given me so much more learning than, like, years of video classes at school, in just three weeks.”
The importance of Spy Hop
Spy Hop has opened the door for so many of these students. Their work is undeniably personal, but it’s also deeply professional.
“This is the hardest class at Spy Hop, I think,” said mentor Loren Brunken, who’s guided the REEL STORIES program for three years. “They’re writing, filming, editing, all of it, in just three weeks.” To her, what stands out this year is how clear their visions were from the start. “This year stands out to me in the quality of their creative expression,” she said.
What Brunken hopes the community sees in these films isn’t just the students’ talent, but rather the power of effort. “Anyone can create art, and the most important thing is doing it,” she said. “Our beautiful daydreams require action.”
Youth voices are so important for so many reasons. “A takeaway that I want at the premiere is that youth media matters,” Brunken said. “To observe people trying … to translate their own realities is a beautiful thing.”
REEL STORIES is a celebration of what happens when young people are given the tools, the time and, most importantly, the trust to tell their stories on their own terms.
How to attend
Admission is free, but space is limited. And if there’s one thing to take away from these young filmmakers, it’s this: show up. Listen. Watch. You might just see the world a little differently by the time the credits roll.
The REEL STORIES Premiere is happening on Thursday, June 26, from 7-9 p.m. at the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art. It is free and open to the public, but an RSVP is recommended.
