University of Miami Thesis: Haitian Family Facing Deportation
The Ponthieux family has lived in Miami since the late 1990’s. Their father, Rony is a nurse, while their two children go to school in Miami. In 2010, a massive earthquake hit Haiti, which allowed them to live in the United States under a protected status(TPS). The new administration decided to end that status on July, 2019 and they will be forced out of the country and back to Haiti. This is the Ponthieux’s story and the story of all Haitians with TPS.
Videos shot, edited and produced by David Aaro
Legacy of Slain Journalist, Steven Sotloff, Passes On Through Father’s Safety Training.
Amid fake gunfire, hostage and checkpoint scenarios, first aid training and defense techniques, freelance journalists from all over the world received a one-of-a-kind safety training to prepare them for any situation they might face out in the field.
The Miami-Dade County training July 24 to 26 was funded by the Steven Sotloff Memorial 2Lives Foundation, whose mission is to provide scholarships to men and women seeking careers in journalism. Art Sotloff started the foundation after his son, Miami-based journalist Steven Sotloff, was publicly beheaded by ISIS in 2014.
Filmed by David Aaro and Erika Orstad
Poverty story: Miami Barber Hair Cuts for the Homeless
Shot in Wynwood, Miami at the “dragon’s mouth” Luis Rivas heads out nearly every Monday and cuts hair for those in need. This is a story about one of those days.
Special Olympics India: Life of Deepak
A week in the life of a Special Olympic silver medalist from India and how he impacts the community around him. Deepak, 22 is a Special Olympic Athlete from India in the central state of Haryana. He is from a family with limited income and supports them through his job and milk route, which he delivers to members of his village. Originally seen as a problem child, he’s proved his doubters wrong and won a silver medal at the Los Angeles World Games in 2015 for Handball. After his victory 25-30 members of his village gave him a hero’s welcome at the airport. The cash award that followed of $2300 dollars was used to cover the expenses of his sick father who Deepak takes care of. He currently lives with his wife Durkesh and loves to take care of his family. He is also fond of his domestic cow and takes care of her calf.
Special Olympics Story: District of Columbia
Novie Craven is one of the leaders and athletes from Special Olympics, District of Columbia. Raised by a single mother, she’s become an important influence on anyone she meets. She’s now a leader in the community and has learned to never give up.
Special Olympics Thailand: Treatment of Intellectually Disabled
A look at the Rajanukul Institute in Bangkok, Thailand. It specializes in the treatment of intellectually disabled and recently won the Special Olympic Golisano Award.
David Aaro 