A film about learning and growth.
Forward is a documentary short film about learning to self-direct complex work within a supportive community. It looks at how students learn to lead research projects while growing as people.
Synopsis
The film follows Northwestern University students and their faculty mentor, Haoqi Zhang, in Design, Technology, and Research (DTR) for two quarters, to look at the practices of a community-based research lab. Students self-direct their own research projects in human computer interaction while also learning about their own work process and metacognitive blockers to completing their work. The film focuses on the process by which students work to overcome individual struggles that prevent them from moving forward to make project progress and grow as people. Students work individually but within a community to find ways to seek help from each other, learn from others' experiences, and support one another. By reflecting on their own practices and work processes, students grow personally throughout their time in this community. The ultimate goal of DTR is for students to discover what it’s like to pursue work that is meaningful to their own values and goals.
Watch the Trailer
Upcoming Screenings
There are no showings currently scheduled.
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The Filmmakers
Sarah Hanson is a director and producer with Furnace FPS. Forward is her second independent documentary project and first in which she held a directorial role.
Sergio Salgado is a director and cinematographer with Furnace FPS which he founded in 2011. He has worked on feature documentaries, such as Forced Perspective (2015) and Grit & Grain (2016).
Haoqi Zhang is an associate professor in Computer Science and Design at Northwestern University. He founded and directs the Design, Technology, and Research (DTR) program, which provides an original model for research training.