Wellspring Magazine (FINAL.NOVEMBER)) - Flipbook - Page 21
Gus Cruz
Videographer
My name is Gus Cruz, and I am the owner of Cruz On
Camera. I reside in Port Saint Lucie, Florida, with my wife
and four kids. My passion is to tell stories to inspire others
through my lens.
I was first introduced to Wellspring through a few video
projects that requested a creative videographer/editor.
Through these opportunities, I was able to build a
relationship with the staff and leadership.
A year ago, I was hired by a Christian non-profit to film
a video sharing their human trafficking rescue ministry
in order to raise funds for their gala. Unfortunately, I was
not able to capture any of the survivors on camera for
security and safety reasons. It was a challenge because
I was not sure how I was going to tell their story without
a character.
After a few days of thinking about my method, I asked
their director if the women or men would be interested in
writing their story for someone else to read. This is where
the whole project was born. My team and I were able to
tell the survivors’ story while capturing the raw reactions
of the readers, as well as their thoughts and feelings.
The Dear Someone Project gives voice to the hidden
stories and struggles around us. In each episode, our
guest reads a letter from a stranger who is willing to
share their story with anyone who will listen. Each letter
invites us into their world, raises awareness, and creates
space for vulnerability and connection.
Each season of the series explores one specific topic and
highlights an organization that supports the cause. Our
first season was made in collaboration with The Catholic
Charities Diocese of Venice and featured stories of human
trafficking survivors. I partnered with Wellspring Counseling
for the production of our second season, that will focus on
mental health.
The project has impacted me personally. It made me realize
that I was not alone when it comes to dealing with mental
health issues. This gave me the courage to speak more
about it and help others.
People need a safe space to express themselves, and
because art can be very direct or abstract, it allows anyone
with mental health struggles to express their thoughts,
pain, journey, fears, doubts, etc. Art is a safe space that gives
the freedom to continue the healing process, and it also
gives a platform to be a voice for others.
Scan for more about these two projects
Blue Waves
Wellspring Interview