Back in the summer of 2008, I documented the inaugural year of a unique four-week summer program for teenagers in Miami that focused on the history and philosophy of Hip Hop and its four main elements: DJing, MCing, B-boying/girling, and Urban Art. The camp was called PATH (Preserving, Archiving and Teaching Hip Hop History) and was the brainchild of long-time Miami hip hop artist Brimstone127 who after several years of trying, finally found a home (and funding) for the program via Miami Light Project, a not-for-profit cultural arts organization.
The film I completed from that first year went on to win the ‘Best Florida Film’ award at the 2010 Sunscreen Film Festival – the award presented to me by none other than John Travolta himself (watch the award presentation HERE and you can watch the original PATH film HERE). The award launched my fledgling video production business to a whole new level while the PATH program continued but struggled to secure funding the next few years.
The good news is that PATH is alive and well and going stronger than ever. It completed its 10th year this past summer (and I’ve been documenting the camp yet again these past two years – stay tuned) and celebrated with an anniversary performance right back where it started, Miami Light Project.
Here’s a sample of what this life-changing camp is all about – a performance by the program’s “emcee” class with lyrics they all wrote themselves. Just a little taste before the documentary film is completed sometime in early 2019. To learn more or to support this dynamic program, visit www.pathtohiphop.org. Enjoy the video…
PATH Hip Hop Summer Academy 10 Year Anniversary Celebration from DanPerezFilms on Vimeo.
