Digital Story – “12 Inches”

I’m fascinated by the topic of adversity.   There are challenges we choose in life and there are challenges that life seems to choose for us.   The former is adventure and the latter is adversity.

This video from StoryCenter is a simple yet moving example of how the elements of voice narration and photographs can tell an emotional tale of a man battling physical and emotional scars.   The creator, Stein Rosqvist, draws the viewer in with an array of photos showing him before and after a life-changing event.  At times, there’s a noticeable contrast between the expressions on his face in the snapshots and the tone of his voice in the narration.  It’s like an inner struggle he’s still coping with at this very moment.   Stein also skillfully contrasts the thrill of climbing a mountain with his struggle to move his foot up one flight of stairs in physical therapy.   It’s a simple and effective use of story, writing and media content integration to paint a picture of personal adversity.  My only criticism is the lack of underscore music which could add a little extra layer of emotion.  On the other hand, the wrong piece of music could be a distraction.

A very impressive visualization of adversity.