Mike Edwards
NavPress, 2012, DVD Documentary and Soundtrack: $49.99, DVD Leader’s Kit: $49.99
The yellow rose traditionally symbolizes joy and friendship. The Yellow Roses Project, directed by Mike Edwards, unfolds around a documentary film featuring girls sharing their struggles and lessons learned, delving honestly into real betrayals, self-betrayals and saving love without gory detail.
A 20-something sexual abuse survivor turned spokeswoman, a self-confessed old guy youth leader, and few other adults help narrate, offering perspective and statistics. The overall tone is more confessional and cautionary than joyful; and while it is difficult for a documentary to offer friendship, the overwhelmingly positive and companionable message for girls is that they are not alone and God has better for them.
The film can be purchased separately or with an accompanying soundtrack of sad but true and beautiful original songs. The Leader’s Kit consists of a pamphlet and a Leader’s Guide packed with eight weeks of suggested activities in tiny print and a video of short clips in the vein of the film for getting the conversations started with stories, apt verses and piercing questions on happiness, hardship and hope. Student workbooks are also available.
