Independent Study: Food Around the World Spring 2024
Overview
This project explores global food culture through visual storytelling and documentation. By combining photography, video, and research, I aimed to capture the cultural significance of food and the experiences surrounding it. This work reflects my interest in storytelling, visual composition, and documenting real-world experiences.
As part of my Honors experience, I completed an Independent Study titled Food Around the World, developed under the course NEWN-N 490 and supervised by Professor Rodney Smith. This project allowed me to combine my academic work with my personal interests in media, design, and visual storytelling.
The goal of this Honors Contract was to create a 15–20 minute documentary focused on international cuisine as a form of storytelling. Through food, the project explores how gastronomy can connect people from different cultural backgrounds and foster cross-cultural understanding. The documentary centers on Latin American cuisine and highlights food as a universal language that carries culture, identity, and tradition.
Project Process & What I Created
For this project, I planned, produced, and edited a mini-documentary filmed at Livery Restaurant in downtown Indianapolis. I collaborated with Regional Chef Casey Frank and members of the Cunningham Restaurant Group to gain access to a professional kitchen environment.
Figure 1. Documentary Video Excerpt (Spring 2024).
This video presents a segment of my food documentary, highlighting how visual storytelling can capture cultural experiences through food, environment, and human interaction.
My responsibilities included:
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Developing the documentary concept and script
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Writing a formal proposal to request filming permission
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Creating interview questions focused on food storytelling and cultural identity
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Conducting an on-camera interview with the chef
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Editing the final documentary and refining visual storytelling elements.
This project required strong organization, adaptability, and communication, especially when coordinating schedules, securing permissions, and adjusting the timeline.
Skills & Academic Learning
This project strengthened both my creative and technical skills, particularly in video production, scriptwriting, interviewing, and visual composition. It also deepened my understanding of how storytelling functions across disciplines, combining media arts with cultural studies and gastronomy.
Academically, this experience allowed me to apply theoretical concepts from media studies to a real-world production environment. It reinforced the importance of interdisciplinary learning and confirmed my interest in pursuing media projects that balance creativity with cultural awareness.
Engaged Learning Experience
This project was categorized as an International and Experiential Learning experience. Rather than learning about culture through secondary sources, I engaged directly with Latin American cuisine by collaborating with a chef and documenting authentic culinary practices.
Through this process, I learned how food communicates history, identity, and emotional connection. This experience emphasized the value of cultural immersion, respectful collaboration, and experiential learning as tools for building empathy and global understanding.
Figure 2. Behind-the-Scenes Photography (Spring 2024).
These images were taken during the filming process and illustrate the environment, setup, and real-time moments that shaped the final documentary.
Reflection: Academic, Creative, and Personal Growth
This Honors project marked a turning point in my academic and creative development. As my first major experience in video production, it challenged me to step outside of my comfort zone and apply my interests in media, design, and storytelling in a professional setting.
One of the most impactful aspects of this project was working directly with professionals outside of the classroom. Coordinating with restaurant management, collaborating with Chef Casey Frank, and filming in a working kitchen taught me the importance of clear communication, adaptability, and professionalism.
As an Honors student, this experience allowed me to engage deeply with experiential and international learning. Rather than studying culture from a distance, I immersed myself in it through food and storytelling. This reinforced my understanding of food as a powerful narrative tool that connects people across cultural boundaries.
The challenges I encountered, particularly with securing permissions and managing an evolving timeline, helped me develop resilience and problem-solving skills. When plans changed, I refined my proposals and adapted my approach. These experiences strengthened my confidence as an independent creator and scholar.
Overall, this project affirmed my desire to pursue interdisciplinary work that balances creativity with academic rigor. It shaped my identity as a student who values cultural connection, storytelling, and thoughtful media production. The skills and perspective I gained through this Honors experience will continue to influence my academic and professional path.
This project represents my first step into video production and confirmed my passion for using media and design as tools for cultural storytelling.