By Joey Villarreal.
To show his love and appreciation for the people and places he grew up around, senior Jackson Riley wrote and directed his short film “Good Junk: A letter to second hand shopping.”
“Originally it was a poem that I wrote for my mom,” Riley said. “I kind of realized as I’m transitioning as a senior to living on my own I should appreciate the things I have here in town”
Jackson explained in his film that as he is entering a new part in his life, it’s important to recognize and appreciate the things that have meant the most to him.
“It’s kind of just about me appreciating a part of my life with shopping second hand,” Jackson said. “Interviewing people and just talking about my love for it.”
Jackson worked on his film for three months, visiting and interviewing people, as well as balancing school and performing in the fall play.
“The interviews were really fun to make, just shooting all of that stuff was super fun especially because the people I interviewed could talk for hours.” Jackson said “having to cut down a 15 minute Interview into two or three minutes was really fun.”
Jackson is planning on working on future projects and attending school.
“I’m hoping to make more but in college,” Jackosn said. “So it’s not just me making those things but other students as well getting to help with those things”
Jackson visited local thrift and antique stores around Abilene and included clips of stories from the people who worked at these stores. You can watch the film on jacksons youtube channel.
“One of favorite things about second hand shopping is just the weird stuff you’ll find.” Jackson said. “One of my favorite games to play with my mom is whenever we walk into a thrift store we’ll say who can find the weirdest thing.”
