Everything's Going To Be Alright is a documentary film and photo series that focuses on Olivia Ricken, a clown and circus performer based in Christchurch, NZ. The film portion of this project explores how Ricken uses humor to heal from trauma, loss, and the ongoing depression sheʻs battled throughout her life. Despite her personal struggles, she continues to bring joy to others through her work.

Today, You Are You focuses on the West Hollywood Elite Cheerleaders, an LGBTQ+ non-profit organization that helps their community through the art of cheer and entertainment. This short documentary film highlights four of their members and how they come together as a team.

MARIE ERIEL HOBRO IS A DOCUMENTARY PHOTOGRAPHER AND FILMMAKER BASED IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA. SHE WAS BORN AND RAISED IN MARYLAND UNTIL THE AGE OF 10 AND SPENT THE REST OF HER PRE-TEEN AND TEENAGE YEARS IN HAWAI'I. SHE IS CURRENTLY STUDYING VISUAL JOURNALISM AT BROOKS INSTITUTE IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AND WAS A STUDENT PARTICIPANT IN THE EDDIE ADAMS XXIX WORKSHOP.

HOBRO ENJOYS WORKING ON STORIES THAT CELEBRATE AND EMBRACE INDIVIDUALITY, BREAK SOCIAL NORMS AND DEFY ODDS. SHE IS ALSO INTERESTED IN EXPLORING THE HEALING POWER OF HUMOR AND THE EFFECT THAT IT HAS ON MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL HEALTH. WITH HER CAMERA AS HER TOOL, SHE HOPES TO GIVE A VOICE TO THE UNIQUE AND UNNOTICED PEOPLE OF THIS WORLD-- EMPOWERING THEM AND GIVING THEM THE POSITIVE RECOGNITION THAT THEY DESERVE.

"JOURNALISM IS FOR THE PEOPLE.

IT IS COMMUNITY-CENTRIC YET GLOBAL IN PERSPECTIVE.

IT IS TO INFORM AND ENLIGHTEN; TO EXPAND THE DIALOGUE;

TO PROBE AND PROVOKE; TO STIMULATE AND ENGAGE;

TO SHOW THE WAY OR PRESENT ANOTHER WAY;

TO OPEN THE DOORS AND TO COVER WRONG;

TO GIVE THE VOICELESS A MEGAPHONE."

-BRENDA BUTLER