In this special episode, in partnership with the nonprofit BYkids, award-winning documentary filmmaker and teen Daunnette Moniz-Reyome shares the story behind a single frame of AGAINST THE CURRENT that shows her in conversation minutes before her long-awaited feathering ceremony. 

The BYkids' film, which debuts on PBS in April 2021, was named Best Documentary Student Short at the 2020 Woodstock Film Festival awards.

Jury Statement: “We are thrilled to present the award for Best Documentary Student Short film to AGAINST THE CURRENT. The film is a beautiful celebration of Native American ritual, culture and humanity. This is a film both about reflecting on one’s self and the community as a whole. Expertly crafted by Daunnette Moniz-Reyome who at only 17 years old directed and narrated the documentary along with also being the cinematographer. Daunnette has a long career ahead of her and we can’t wait to see what she makes next!”

Daunnette also won the Emerging Filmmakers Award at the Socially Relevant Film Festival.

Noel Alden values justice, equality, family and hard work. The lawyer and dairy farmer serves as legal counsel for area townships, villages and property owners’ associations and as a high-school mock trial coach and a member of several local non-profit boards. A lifelong conservative, he’s been vocal this year about his disdain for the current presidential administration – as well as his support for social justice movements like Black Lives Matter. It’s cost him friendships and clients. He says none of that matters. His Ohio Values photo features him and his youngest son, Russell, wrestling a cow back to his Danville farm, a moment of chaos and connection, just after sunrise.

Interview and story by Grant Pepper of Knox Pages.

Mark Gorsuch values faith, equity and prayer. He is black, gay and unafraid to be himself in his uniquely religious community in Ashland County, a place where public meetings begin with prayer and churches collaborate regularly with other local organizations. Gorsuch regularly participates in protests against racism at gatherings held daily in downtown Ashland since early June and wades into the comments' sections to ask questions of those who disagree with him. A devout Roman Catholic, he firmly believes his religion advises him to fight for the marginalized and oppressed. He attends Mass regularly and intentionally visits churches when he travels. In his picture for Ohio Values, he is praying at St. Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal, Canada's largest church, in Montreal.

Interview and story by Tracy Leturgey of Ashland Source.