The Global Search for Education: Pedal-Power Inspiration: A Journey of Innovation and Community

Posted By C. M. Rubin on Jul 6, 2023

This month, audiences can screen Ciclo de Cambio on the Planet Classroom Network. This film is curated by Planet Classroom.

Join Reina Molino on her inspiring journey to empower her community in Ciclo de Cambio, directed by Sarah Frei. Witness how a young woman from El Salvador found her purpose in studying bicycle pedal-power technology in Guatemala, and how she used her newfound knowledge to create opportunities for women and youth in her hometown.

This story, produced by Avani Mack, is a testament to the power of taking action and making a difference.

The Global Search for Education is pleased to welcome producer Avani Mack.

What inspired you to create a film about Reina Molino and her journey to learn bicycle pedal-power technology in Guatemala, and how did you first become aware of her story?

My team and I had the opportunity to partner with an amazing organization called BiciTec. When we learned about the innovative ways they were using bicycle technology, we were immediately inspired by the impact of their work. As we delved deeper into the organization, we were privileged to meet Reina and hear her story. Reina’s passion and commitment to using bicycle pedal-power technology to help her community made her the perfect main character to spread awareness about BiciTec’s work.

One of the themes of the film is the importance of mentorship and community support in achieving one’s goals. How did you capture the relationships between Reina, Carlos, and Geovany, and what challenges did you face in filming those dynamics?

We wanted to fully portray Reina’s journey of bringing bicycle pedal-power back to her community, which involved both highs and lows. The support of Carlos and Geovany was integral to her success. We carefully selected individuals close to Reina and the BiciTec organization to be on film, ensuring authentic moments were captured. Filming took place on the organization’s grounds, utilizing the available tools and resources to enhance authenticity.

The cinematography in the film is beautiful and effectively captures the emotion and energy of Reina’s journey. Can you describe your process for filming and selecting the shots that best showcased Reina’s story and the culture of El Salvador and Guatemala?

Our entire crew was deliberate in capturing a variety of shots that conveyed Reina’s story in a unique way. Reina expressed her passion for supporting her father’s coffee collaborative and her desire to make a positive impact on her community. We recognized the importance of including shots related to coffee farms and showcasing the community benefiting from bicycle pedal-power technology. Additionally, we aimed to incorporate shots of Reina’s everyday life and the breathtaking scenery to showcase the rich culture of El Salvador and Guatemala.

Thank you Avani!