We had the good fortune of connecting with Eshan Vishwakarma and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Eshan, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factor behind the success of the Outspoken Narrative is our capability to take risks. We are willing to change and adapt to meet industry standards and pave our way through filmmaking and the arts. We are also a completely online-based organization, thus allowing us to work with youth across the world. The fact that we are student-run comes with both benefits and challenges. We are able to redefine what it is believed that students are capable of but oftentimes, we are also the underdogs in the market. The work that the Outspoken Narrative is doing with nature documentaries hopes to redefine this situation.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
No one realizes how unstable their lives are until they face the unknown. I faced the unknown at the age of four, diagnosed with a rare form of cancer called Neuroblastoma (which, at the time, had a 50% survival rate). My life changed forever from that point onwards. My initial treatment was done at VCU, after that my family moved to New York for further treatment. I went through multiple surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy. I spent many years in and out of the hospital, meeting many other kids and families who were on similar journeys. The entire experience granted me a unique perspective. A perspective dedicated to giving back.

My way of making an impact came in the form of creating art. In the past year, I have built my nonprofit from the ground up. My nonprofit (Outspoken Narrative) centers around giving young students the resources to create impactful conservation documentaries. For the past year, I have been growing this organization to a worldwide group. Our films have garnered 150,000+ views across multiple platforms. We have received support from leaders in conservation such as Cristina Mittermeier, NRDC, Protect the Arctic, various National Geographic photographers, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists, and more. Through it all, the organization enables young students’ engagement in current issues. At the Outspoken Narrative, students are given the resources and support needed to express their ideas through film. We have a team of 35+ high school/college students located all around the world.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would take my friend apple picking at the Carter Mountain Orchard, a wonderful orchard in Charlottesville, and a full-day activity.

Following that, I’d visit Carytown, a local street market that has wonderful restaurants and shops that has something for everyone.

On the third day, we’re going to Short Pump to do poetry painting at Color Me Mine.

On the fourth day, we would go to the local amusement park, Kings Dominion, which has a plethora of activities.

On the fifth day, we’d hit the Richmond Zoo which consists of over 2,000 animals.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Sarah Liao Martin Montgomery
Stephanie Atlas
Entire Outspoken Narrative Team and Past interviewees/partners

Website: www.outspokennarrative.org

Instagram: @outspoken_narrative

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEPttrEA6EX8OweVVN1XQfg

Image Credits
Caroline Nguyen

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