Curriculum

The Across the Marsh curriculum serves to support the Across the Marsh Documentary. The lessons provided are meant to coincide with, clarify, and deeply delve into the social emotional elements/experiences/reflections/ considerations presented within Across the Marsh documentary.

Zadie Walker is a Brooklyn-based entrepreneur and filmmaker. Across the Marsh is a vulnerable look at what it’s like to grow up with an absentee parent, aimed at audiences whose experiences may be similar. Walker’s mission is to inspire young people to be the best version of themselves. His work explores identity, mental health, dysfunctional relationships, and exceptionalism.

“When Zadie told me that his father had contacted him after spending twenty years in prison for murder, I was bewildered. When he told me his father was being released and wanted to meet Zadie for the first time, I was floored. When he asked me to record the encounter, I was honored beyond words.

I consider Zadie a brother. Like myself, he grew up in a racially charged region, and he claimed his multiracial identity with a tenacity reserved for the toughest of street fighters. But finding oneself is not without its challenges, and the road to self discovery often runs through the father. Experiencing this once-in-a-lifetime moment with Zadie brought up many hard emotions for me, and I’m certain they will for the viewer as well. I did my best to turn on the camera and stay out of the way, but the experience drew me in as a participant in a way that the audience will feel as well

Ultimately, as Zadie struggled to reconcile his rage, confusion, love, and release, he allowed the creation of a piece that offers catharsis to anyone brave enough to go on this journey with him. I challenge any audience person to watch Across the Marsh without feeling like they’ve made a powerful friend in Zadie. I count myself lucky to say that I have as well.”

- Barret Mindell