Love at Second Sight is a 24-minute video that transforms attitudes about appearance and encourages students to accept themselves and others. It's about difference and belonging, judgment and inclusion. Facially different David Roche and his lovely wife Marlena Blavin share their stories with a spellbound middle-school audience. As they explore themes of self-acceptance (David finds his inner beauty) and accepting others (Marlena moves from revulsion to friendship), the students’ reactions move from discomfort and stunned silence to laughter, delight and engagement. From their faces and feedback, it is clear that their perceptions have quickly shifted as they are encouraged to take that vital second look. 

THE MUSIC VIDEO SPINOFF
It has been Marlena's dream to create a music video of the original theme song, Second Sight. With your help, that video is becoming a reality featuring dance and other activities by fifth- and sixth-grade students at Lord Roberts School in Vancouver, BC. It will be included as part of a four-fold package with a behind-the-scenes video of the kids' creative process, the 24-minute Love at Second Sight video, and a study guide for use by teachers. All will be available at no cost on our website and You Tube.

THE PROCESS
Beginning in September, 2019, the creative team is meeting with students every week until mid-December. Core stories developed by the students are taking shape, such as the “new kid in school” who is perceived as a monster (the kids are excited about makeup and costume possibilities!). Other stories are coming forward, and all will feature the kids dancing. We even have one 11-year-old student who will be doing stop-animation. A two-camera crew will continue recording through mid-December. From then through January, the footage of the music and behind-the-scenes videos will be edited, and we hope for release in early 2020.

THE HISTORY
As part of the University of British Columbia’s Wingspan Project, David met Zohreen Dilgir and her students at Vancouver’s Lord Roberts School while he was a 10-week artist-in-residence teaching storytelling to her class. Zohreen is a remarkable teacher who nurtures the creativity of her students; they sing and dance, write and draw. She responded positively to Marlena's proposal to feature her class in the music video and fills the valuable role of creative director.