DC Black Film Festival is back with a doc produced by Al Roker | NBC4 Washington

Kevin Sampson

The fact that Kevin Sampson is not just a film critic, but a writer, producer, and director as well makes his understanding of cinema even better. Coming from a theoretical and hands on approach, he understands both sides of the struggle of viewing and creating great works. After receiving an MFA in Film & Electronic Media from American University in Washington, D.C in 2011, Kevin took his love for film to the next level by creating and producing Picture Lock, an entertainment website, podcast, and hour long film review TV show that runs on Arlington Independent Media’s public access station in Arlington, VA. The show covers new releases, classic films, and interviews with local filmmakers in the DMV area. He is also a member of the Washington DC Area Film Critics Association and African American Film Critics Association. He is currently looking forward to filming his first feature film in the near future. He believes that film is one of the most powerful art forms in the world, and he hopes that he can use the craft to inspire others and make a difference in it.

A Celebration of Diversity and Empowerment: 2023 DC Black Film Festival from Aug.18th-19th

As the heart of America’s cultural landscape, Washington D.C. is once again preparing to host the much-anticipated DC Black Film Festival (DCBFF). From August 18th to 19th, 2023, The Miracle Theatre will welcome filmmakers, industry professionals, and cinema enthusiasts to a unique event dedicated to celebrating diversity and empowerment.

Now in its seventh year, the DCBFF has carved out a reputation as a vital nexus for independent filmmakers. The festival provides a platform for the showcasing of exceptional films created by or about people of African descent, offering diverse voices a stage from…(read more here or click below)

https://blogeventsnow.com/a-celebration-of-diversity-and-empowerment-2023-dc-black-film-festival-from-aug-18th-19th

Kevin Sampson

The fact that Kevin Sampson is not just a film critic, but a writer, producer, and director as well makes his understanding of cinema even better. Coming from a theoretical and hands on approach, he understands both sides of the struggle of viewing and creating great works. After receiving an MFA in Film & Electronic Media from American University in Washington, D.C in 2011, Kevin took his love for film to the next level by creating and producing Picture Lock, an entertainment website, podcast, and hour long film review TV show that runs on Arlington Independent Media’s public access station in Arlington, VA. The show covers new releases, classic films, and interviews with local filmmakers in the DMV area. He is also a member of the Washington DC Area Film Critics Association and African American Film Critics Association. He is currently looking forward to filming his first feature film in the near future. He believes that film is one of the most powerful art forms in the world, and he hopes that he can use the craft to inspire others and make a difference in it.

Taji Mag: Spotlight on Cinema: Kevin Sampson Discusses Film Favorites, Festival Impact, and the DCBFF

https://tajimag.com/spotlight-on-cinema-kevin-sampson-discusses-film-favorites-festival-impact-and-the-dcbff-experience/

Kevin Sampson

The fact that Kevin Sampson is not just a film critic, but a writer, producer, and director as well makes his understanding of cinema even better. Coming from a theoretical and hands on approach, he understands both sides of the struggle of viewing and creating great works. After receiving an MFA in Film & Electronic Media from American University in Washington, D.C in 2011, Kevin took his love for film to the next level by creating and producing Picture Lock, an entertainment website, podcast, and hour long film review TV show that runs on Arlington Independent Media’s public access station in Arlington, VA. The show covers new releases, classic films, and interviews with local filmmakers in the DMV area. He is also a member of the Washington DC Area Film Critics Association and African American Film Critics Association. He is currently looking forward to filming his first feature film in the near future. He believes that film is one of the most powerful art forms in the world, and he hopes that he can use the craft to inspire others and make a difference in it.

DCist: DC Black Film Festival Puts The Stories Of Washingtonians On The Big Screen

The upcoming DC Black Film Festival lets Black people see themselves on the big screen in compelling stories that highlight just how diverse the community and its experiences are — and this year’s iteration touches on several parts of District culture.

“That’s the biggest and most important thing because… when you see yourself on screen, like if you see it, you believe you can achieve it,” says Kevin Sampson, the festival’s founder and director. “And so really, that’s what we’re trying to do.”

The festival, now in its seventh year, runs Aug. 18-30…(click below for more)

https://dcist.com/story/23/08/15/dc-black-film-festival-local-filmmakers-cannabis-nascar-stephen-cummings/

Kevin Sampson

The fact that Kevin Sampson is not just a film critic, but a writer, producer, and director as well makes his understanding of cinema even better. Coming from a theoretical and hands on approach, he understands both sides of the struggle of viewing and creating great works. After receiving an MFA in Film & Electronic Media from American University in Washington, D.C in 2011, Kevin took his love for film to the next level by creating and producing Picture Lock, an entertainment website, podcast, and hour long film review TV show that runs on Arlington Independent Media’s public access station in Arlington, VA. The show covers new releases, classic films, and interviews with local filmmakers in the DMV area. He is also a member of the Washington DC Area Film Critics Association and African American Film Critics Association. He is currently looking forward to filming his first feature film in the near future. He believes that film is one of the most powerful art forms in the world, and he hopes that he can use the craft to inspire others and make a difference in it.

WTOP News: DC Black Film Fest brings interactive, choose-your-own adventure experience

The seventh annual D.C. Black Film Festival is returning to the Miracle Theatre on Barracks Row in Southeast.

Movies will screen in person on Friday, Aug. 18, and Saturday, Aug. 19, and then stream virtually through Aug. 30.

Founder and Festival Director Kevin Sampson told WTOP he’s excited because he feels “like it’s going to be getting back to what it was pre-COVID where people want to be out, they want to engage and make a festival what a festival is.”

“You can easily curate films on Netflix, on a streaming platform, but you can’t have strangers, friends and family come into a room and be entertained then have conversation after [like you can at a film festival],” Sampson said.

Read more here: https://wtop.com/entertainment/2023/08/dc-black-film-fest-brings-interactive-choose-your-own-adventure-experience/

Kevin Sampson

The fact that Kevin Sampson is not just a film critic, but a writer, producer, and director as well makes his understanding of cinema even better. Coming from a theoretical and hands on approach, he understands both sides of the struggle of viewing and creating great works. After receiving an MFA in Film & Electronic Media from American University in Washington, D.C in 2011, Kevin took his love for film to the next level by creating and producing Picture Lock, an entertainment website, podcast, and hour long film review TV show that runs on Arlington Independent Media’s public access station in Arlington, VA. The show covers new releases, classic films, and interviews with local filmmakers in the DMV area. He is also a member of the Washington DC Area Film Critics Association and African American Film Critics Association. He is currently looking forward to filming his first feature film in the near future. He believes that film is one of the most powerful art forms in the world, and he hopes that he can use the craft to inspire others and make a difference in it.

WTOP: 6th annual DC Black Film Festival returns to Miracle Theatre on Barracks Row

Check out the write up and listen to what’s going on this weekend via WTOP!

https://wtop.com/entertainment/2022/08/6th-annual-dc-black-film-festival-returns-to-miracle-theatre-on-barracks-row/

Kevin Sampson

The fact that Kevin Sampson is not just a film critic, but a writer, producer, and director as well makes his understanding of cinema even better. Coming from a theoretical and hands on approach, he understands both sides of the struggle of viewing and creating great works. After receiving an MFA in Film & Electronic Media from American University in Washington, D.C in 2011, Kevin took his love for film to the next level by creating and producing Picture Lock, an entertainment website, podcast, and hour long film review TV show that runs on Arlington Independent Media’s public access station in Arlington, VA. The show covers new releases, classic films, and interviews with local filmmakers in the DMV area. He is also a member of the Washington DC Area Film Critics Association and African American Film Critics Association. He is currently looking forward to filming his first feature film in the near future. He believes that film is one of the most powerful art forms in the world, and he hopes that he can use the craft to inspire others and make a difference in it.

The DC Lineup for this weekend: local heritage, shofar horns and a Haus Party

Check out the mention in DC Line here: https://thedcline.org/2020/09/18/the-dc-lineup-for-this-weekend-local-heritage-shofar-horns-and-a-haus-party/

Kevin Sampson

The fact that Kevin Sampson is not just a film critic, but a writer, producer, and director as well makes his understanding of cinema even better. Coming from a theoretical and hands on approach, he understands both sides of the struggle of viewing and creating great works. After receiving an MFA in Film & Electronic Media from American University in Washington, D.C in 2011, Kevin took his love for film to the next level by creating and producing Picture Lock, an entertainment website, podcast, and hour long film review TV show that runs on Arlington Independent Media’s public access station in Arlington, VA. The show covers new releases, classic films, and interviews with local filmmakers in the DMV area. He is also a member of the Washington DC Area Film Critics Association and African American Film Critics Association. He is currently looking forward to filming his first feature film in the near future. He believes that film is one of the most powerful art forms in the world, and he hopes that he can use the craft to inspire others and make a difference in it.

WTOP: DC Black Film Festival presents virtual slate to spark timely conversation

Check out the article here: https://wtop.com/entertainment/2020/09/dc-black-film-festival-presents-virtual-slate-to-spark-timely-conversation/?fbclid=IwAR1L4njpgfTQvBqbCI7vlQkczoS6qk0hq3Puk5Q61NvenK7nMFFIaw3dvuY

Kevin Sampson

The fact that Kevin Sampson is not just a film critic, but a writer, producer, and director as well makes his understanding of cinema even better. Coming from a theoretical and hands on approach, he understands both sides of the struggle of viewing and creating great works. After receiving an MFA in Film & Electronic Media from American University in Washington, D.C in 2011, Kevin took his love for film to the next level by creating and producing Picture Lock, an entertainment website, podcast, and hour long film review TV show that runs on Arlington Independent Media’s public access station in Arlington, VA. The show covers new releases, classic films, and interviews with local filmmakers in the DMV area. He is also a member of the Washington DC Area Film Critics Association and African American Film Critics Association. He is currently looking forward to filming his first feature film in the near future. He believes that film is one of the most powerful art forms in the world, and he hopes that he can use the craft to inspire others and make a difference in it.

Elements of Madness: Six Must-See Films at the 2019 DC Black Film Festival

Check out the article from Douglas Davidson here: https://elementsofmadness.com/2019/08/12/dcbff2019/

Kevin Sampson

The fact that Kevin Sampson is not just a film critic, but a writer, producer, and director as well makes his understanding of cinema even better. Coming from a theoretical and hands on approach, he understands both sides of the struggle of viewing and creating great works. After receiving an MFA in Film & Electronic Media from American University in Washington, D.C in 2011, Kevin took his love for film to the next level by creating and producing Picture Lock, an entertainment website, podcast, and hour long film review TV show that runs on Arlington Independent Media’s public access station in Arlington, VA. The show covers new releases, classic films, and interviews with local filmmakers in the DMV area. He is also a member of the Washington DC Area Film Critics Association and African American Film Critics Association. He is currently looking forward to filming his first feature film in the near future. He believes that film is one of the most powerful art forms in the world, and he hopes that he can use the craft to inspire others and make a difference in it.

Washingtonian: Things To Do in DC This Weekend

Kevin Sampson

The fact that Kevin Sampson is not just a film critic, but a writer, producer, and director as well makes his understanding of cinema even better. Coming from a theoretical and hands on approach, he understands both sides of the struggle of viewing and creating great works. After receiving an MFA in Film & Electronic Media from American University in Washington, D.C in 2011, Kevin took his love for film to the next level by creating and producing Picture Lock, an entertainment website, podcast, and hour long film review TV show that runs on Arlington Independent Media’s public access station in Arlington, VA. The show covers new releases, classic films, and interviews with local filmmakers in the DMV area. He is also a member of the Washington DC Area Film Critics Association and African American Film Critics Association. He is currently looking forward to filming his first feature film in the near future. He believes that film is one of the most powerful art forms in the world, and he hopes that he can use the craft to inspire others and make a difference in it.

WTOP: 3rd Annual DC Black Film Fest Highlights New, Diverse Voices

Kevin Sampson

The fact that Kevin Sampson is not just a film critic, but a writer, producer, and director as well makes his understanding of cinema even better. Coming from a theoretical and hands on approach, he understands both sides of the struggle of viewing and creating great works. After receiving an MFA in Film & Electronic Media from American University in Washington, D.C in 2011, Kevin took his love for film to the next level by creating and producing Picture Lock, an entertainment website, podcast, and hour long film review TV show that runs on Arlington Independent Media’s public access station in Arlington, VA. The show covers new releases, classic films, and interviews with local filmmakers in the DMV area. He is also a member of the Washington DC Area Film Critics Association and African American Film Critics Association. He is currently looking forward to filming his first feature film in the near future. He believes that film is one of the most powerful art forms in the world, and he hopes that he can use the craft to inspire others and make a difference in it.

Patch: DC Black Film Festival Returning For Third Year

Kevin Sampson

The fact that Kevin Sampson is not just a film critic, but a writer, producer, and director as well makes his understanding of cinema even better. Coming from a theoretical and hands on approach, he understands both sides of the struggle of viewing and creating great works. After receiving an MFA in Film & Electronic Media from American University in Washington, D.C in 2011, Kevin took his love for film to the next level by creating and producing Picture Lock, an entertainment website, podcast, and hour long film review TV show that runs on Arlington Independent Media’s public access station in Arlington, VA. The show covers new releases, classic films, and interviews with local filmmakers in the DMV area. He is also a member of the Washington DC Area Film Critics Association and African American Film Critics Association. He is currently looking forward to filming his first feature film in the near future. He believes that film is one of the most powerful art forms in the world, and he hopes that he can use the craft to inspire others and make a difference in it.

DCist: DC Black Film Festival Returns to Miracle Theatre

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Kevin Sampson

The fact that Kevin Sampson is not just a film critic, but a writer, producer, and director as well makes his understanding of cinema even better. Coming from a theoretical and hands on approach, he understands both sides of the struggle of viewing and creating great works. After receiving an MFA in Film & Electronic Media from American University in Washington, D.C in 2011, Kevin took his love for film to the next level by creating and producing Picture Lock, an entertainment website, podcast, and hour long film review TV show that runs on Arlington Independent Media’s public access station in Arlington, VA. The show covers new releases, classic films, and interviews with local filmmakers in the DMV area. He is also a member of the Washington DC Area Film Critics Association and African American Film Critics Association. He is currently looking forward to filming his first feature film in the near future. He believes that film is one of the most powerful art forms in the world, and he hopes that he can use the craft to inspire others and make a difference in it.

WTOP: DC Black Film Festival returns to Miracle Theatre on Barracks Row

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Kevin Sampson

The fact that Kevin Sampson is not just a film critic, but a writer, producer, and director as well makes his understanding of cinema even better. Coming from a theoretical and hands on approach, he understands both sides of the struggle of viewing and creating great works. After receiving an MFA in Film & Electronic Media from American University in Washington, D.C in 2011, Kevin took his love for film to the next level by creating and producing Picture Lock, an entertainment website, podcast, and hour long film review TV show that runs on Arlington Independent Media’s public access station in Arlington, VA. The show covers new releases, classic films, and interviews with local filmmakers in the DMV area. He is also a member of the Washington DC Area Film Critics Association and African American Film Critics Association. He is currently looking forward to filming his first feature film in the near future. He believes that film is one of the most powerful art forms in the world, and he hopes that he can use the craft to inspire others and make a difference in it.

Picture Lock Unlocked: Dyana Winkler and "United Skates"

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Kevin Sampson

The fact that Kevin Sampson is not just a film critic, but a writer, producer, and director as well makes his understanding of cinema even better. Coming from a theoretical and hands on approach, he understands both sides of the struggle of viewing and creating great works. After receiving an MFA in Film & Electronic Media from American University in Washington, D.C in 2011, Kevin took his love for film to the next level by creating and producing Picture Lock, an entertainment website, podcast, and hour long film review TV show that runs on Arlington Independent Media’s public access station in Arlington, VA. The show covers new releases, classic films, and interviews with local filmmakers in the DMV area. He is also a member of the Washington DC Area Film Critics Association and African American Film Critics Association. He is currently looking forward to filming his first feature film in the near future. He believes that film is one of the most powerful art forms in the world, and he hopes that he can use the craft to inspire others and make a difference in it.

Enlighten Me radio show w/ Andrea Cambron

Hear the show here!

Hey Fam,

I recently celebrated a film debut at a film festival for a good friend of mine and it was thrilling to be in the film space again. I saw films that put mainstream theater releases to shame. Chopping it up amongst peers about styling conventions and character arch and development was like coming home.

So as DC celebrates it’s annual Black Film Festival tomorrow through the weekend, I thought it would be good to highlight some of the films you won’t see in mainstream theaters. I’ll have Kevin Sampson, Founder of the festival on the program as well as feature some filmmakers like WIll Feagins and Deanna Del Ciello that you may want to keep an eye on.

Tune in every Wednesday from 4-5p ET on WERA-FM 96.7 in Arlington, Va or check us out online at Facebook.com/EnlightenMeOnWERA or Twitter @EnlightenMeWERA@andreacambron.

 

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Kevin Sampson

The fact that Kevin Sampson is not just a film critic, but a writer, producer, and director as well makes his understanding of cinema even better. Coming from a theoretical and hands on approach, he understands both sides of the struggle of viewing and creating great works. After receiving an MFA in Film & Electronic Media from American University in Washington, D.C in 2011, Kevin took his love for film to the next level by creating and producing Picture Lock, an entertainment website, podcast, and hour long film review TV show that runs on Arlington Independent Media’s public access station in Arlington, VA. The show covers new releases, classic films, and interviews with local filmmakers in the DMV area. He is also a member of the Washington DC Area Film Critics Association and African American Film Critics Association. He is currently looking forward to filming his first feature film in the near future. He believes that film is one of the most powerful art forms in the world, and he hopes that he can use the craft to inspire others and make a difference in it.

What You Can Expect to See At This Year's DC Black Film Festival!

Our founder/director, Kevin Sampson, spoke with Horace Holmes on Good Morning Washington about the 2018 festival! 

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Kevin Sampson

The fact that Kevin Sampson is not just a film critic, but a writer, producer, and director as well makes his understanding of cinema even better. Coming from a theoretical and hands on approach, he understands both sides of the struggle of viewing and creating great works. After receiving an MFA in Film & Electronic Media from American University in Washington, D.C in 2011, Kevin took his love for film to the next level by creating and producing Picture Lock, an entertainment website, podcast, and hour long film review TV show that runs on Arlington Independent Media’s public access station in Arlington, VA. The show covers new releases, classic films, and interviews with local filmmakers in the DMV area. He is also a member of the Washington DC Area Film Critics Association and African American Film Critics Association. He is currently looking forward to filming his first feature film in the near future. He believes that film is one of the most powerful art forms in the world, and he hopes that he can use the craft to inspire others and make a difference in it.

Picture Lock Radio: Ep. 88- Joe Marshall, Joseph E. Austin II, Jennifer Lewis & Blake Bynum

Listen to the full episode here!

I'm continuing my talk w/ filmmakers whose films will be in the DC Black Film Festival showcase. Kickin‘ the show off I have Joe Marshall, writer/director of Here Kitty, which will screen during our We Still Dealin’ With This block. Then I talk with Joseph E. Austin II, writer/director of 1 Chance, one of our Opening Night Films. I have Jennifer Lewis, director of Austin’s Voice, which will play during our We Still Dealin‘ With This block as well. Finally, we’ll hear from Blake Bynum, director of Buried, which will play during our Friends: How Many Of Us Have Them block. Another great round of interviews from filmmakers you’ll be able to see next week at the DC Black Film Festival.

Check out Joe and Here Kitty on Instagram at: @joelumberjack 

Catch Joseph and 1 Chance on Instagram: @JosephAustinII

Did you listen to the podcast? Jennifer isn't on social: :)

The orginal Paper Boy, Blake can be found on Instagram/twitter here: @itsdapaperboy

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Kevin Sampson

The fact that Kevin Sampson is not just a film critic, but a writer, producer, and director as well makes his understanding of cinema even better. Coming from a theoretical and hands on approach, he understands both sides of the struggle of viewing and creating great works. After receiving an MFA in Film & Electronic Media from American University in Washington, D.C in 2011, Kevin took his love for film to the next level by creating and producing Picture Lock, an entertainment website, podcast, and hour long film review TV show that runs on Arlington Independent Media’s public access station in Arlington, VA. The show covers new releases, classic films, and interviews with local filmmakers in the DMV area. He is also a member of the Washington DC Area Film Critics Association and African American Film Critics Association. He is currently looking forward to filming his first feature film in the near future. He believes that film is one of the most powerful art forms in the world, and he hopes that he can use the craft to inspire others and make a difference in it.

Picture Lock Radio: Ep. 87- Lewis T. Powell, Shayla Racquel, Patrick House, Terrance Smalls & Michael Faulkner

Listen to the episode here!

This week I’m still talking w/ filmmakers whose films will be in the DC Black Film Festival showcase. On this episode, I’m talking with two filmmakers from our History and Hidden Figures block, which will take a look at stories from our history and hidden figures that should be known Friday August 17th beginning at 9AM. I have the writer/producer/director/star of Padlock Men, Lewis T. Powell and writer/director of Riverment, Shayla Racquel. Then, I have to filmmakers from our Friends: How Many of Us Have Them film block which will play Saturday August 18th from 11:20AM to 1:50PM, and focuses on films of friendship...or the lack theereof. I have interviews with the writer/director of Blue Diamonds, Patrick House and the director and producer of the web series Lost Kings, Terrance Smalls and Michael Faulkner respectively. 

Check out Padlock Men here: https://www.facebook.com/padlockmen/

Learn more about Riverment here: https://rivermentfilm.com/

Get those Blue Diamonds here: https://www.patrickhousefilms.com/bluediamondsfilm1/

Find Baltimore's Lost Kings here: https://www.facebook.com/lostkingstheseries/

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Kevin Sampson

The fact that Kevin Sampson is not just a film critic, but a writer, producer, and director as well makes his understanding of cinema even better. Coming from a theoretical and hands on approach, he understands both sides of the struggle of viewing and creating great works. After receiving an MFA in Film & Electronic Media from American University in Washington, D.C in 2011, Kevin took his love for film to the next level by creating and producing Picture Lock, an entertainment website, podcast, and hour long film review TV show that runs on Arlington Independent Media’s public access station in Arlington, VA. The show covers new releases, classic films, and interviews with local filmmakers in the DMV area. He is also a member of the Washington DC Area Film Critics Association and African American Film Critics Association. He is currently looking forward to filming his first feature film in the near future. He believes that film is one of the most powerful art forms in the world, and he hopes that he can use the craft to inspire others and make a difference in it.

Picture Lock Radio: Ep. 86- Chad Quinn, Savannah Kopp, Bruce Gorman Jr., & Praheme

On Friday August 17th we’ll be showing a Love and Heartbreak block of films that deal with love and the heartbreak that sometimes comes with it. So today I’m speaking with Chad Quinn, writer/director of For The Love of Musiq; Savannah Kopp, writer/producer of The Wedding Scene; Bruce Gorman Jr., writer/producer/director of Thurman Comes Home; and Praheme, writer/director of Stuck. Your definitely going to to want to see these films at the festival, and you’ll enjoy getting to know these filmmakers and the stories behind their films on the show today. Listen to the show here

Check out Chad Quinn here: https://www.instagram.com/cuttyq/?hl=en

Try to get hitched with The Wedding Scene here: https://www.facebook.com/weddingsceneshort/

Check out Thurman Comes Home here: https://www.facebook.com/ThurmanComesHome/

Find out more about Stuck here: https://www.praheme.com/

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Kevin Sampson

The fact that Kevin Sampson is not just a film critic, but a writer, producer, and director as well makes his understanding of cinema even better. Coming from a theoretical and hands on approach, he understands both sides of the struggle of viewing and creating great works. After receiving an MFA in Film & Electronic Media from American University in Washington, D.C in 2011, Kevin took his love for film to the next level by creating and producing Picture Lock, an entertainment website, podcast, and hour long film review TV show that runs on Arlington Independent Media’s public access station in Arlington, VA. The show covers new releases, classic films, and interviews with local filmmakers in the DMV area. He is also a member of the Washington DC Area Film Critics Association and African American Film Critics Association. He is currently looking forward to filming his first feature film in the near future. He believes that film is one of the most powerful art forms in the world, and he hopes that he can use the craft to inspire others and make a difference in it.