Entertainment > Audiovisual Branded Content

3D ACTIVIST

ALMA, Miami / CHANGE THE REF / 2019

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Overview

Credits

Overview

Why is this work relevant for Entertainment?

An expository documentary with a creative idea at its core; the creation of the first-ever 3D printed activist fighting the lawful — and dangerous — online distribution of 3D gun blueprints.

The film captures the transformation of Joaquin (Guac) Oliver, one of the 17 Parkland students killed in the mass shooting, as he goes from victim to activist.

The 3D Activist travels from New York to South Africa and to the steps of Congress in Washington D.C., aiming to drive change and much-needed gun reform.

Background

The U.S. is in the midst of political turmoil. People’s ideologies are permeating everyday culture and gun policies are dividing an already fractured country.

2018 was the worst year on record for gun violence in schools; today in the U.S., children are being forced to perform routine “active shooter drills” — this should not be the way to shape a child’s future.

The U.S. government fueled the gun violence crisis even more by allowing the free online distribution of 3D-gun blueprints. These plastic weapons are untraceable, can pass through metal detectors and can be made on demand.

With the same technology used to make plastic guns, we printed a life-size replica of Joaquin, turning him into a symbol that will forever fight against gun violence.

Joaquin’s journey of a victim turned activist is chronicled in a documentary, sparking a debate in the U.S congress about 3D-printed weapons and gun regulations.

Describe the creative idea

We 3D-printed a life-size replica of Manuel’s son, Joaquin (Guac) Oliver, a gun violence activist who fell victim during the Parkland shooting.

With the same technology used to print the deadly weapons, we turned Guac into a symbol of the fight against gun violence.

The statue has details like his rosaries, an NFC pin to help him collect signatures and even a flower as a nod to the bouquet he was taking to his girlfriend on the day of the tragedy.

The 3D Activist’s transformation journey was captured in an expository documentary that had a creative idea at its core; a victim turned into 3D activist to fight for gun control.

We wanted a victim of gun violence to tell his own story in a powerful way; where he not only communicates a message but embodies the sad reality of the gun crisis in the U.S.

Describe the strategy

Change the Ref’s approach mixes art and activism as a way to reach more people and explain social problems in a more relatable way. The campaign around our 3D sculpture is extremely relevant because it uses art to put in perspective the disastrous effects of the mass shooting pandemic aggravated by the online distribution of 3D gun blueprints.

Since Parkland, there have been nearly 350 mass shootings in the U.S. — nearly one a day. And because the threat continues, Change the Ref will renew their fight in an effort to safeguard our children from a government that is failing to provide them with the safety and protection that should be their birthright.

Sadly, the audience is anyone who could be a victim of the gun violence crisis; parents of students, voters, lawmakers and everyone who needs to listen to Joaquin’s story in efforts to create change.

Describe the execution

The activist was 3D-printed with the same technology as the dangerous guns. The most powerful aspect of the execution is that it’s an exact 3D replica of Joaquin—from his height, clothes, sneakers, an NFC pin to help him collect signatures and even the flowers for his girlfriend on Valentine’s Day.

Guac was revealed in Times Square, NY, right before the midterm elections, then traveled to South Africa to join March for Our Lives and together they received the Children’s Peace Prize. Shortly thereafter, they went to Washington D.C., where they protested in front of the Capitol for gun regulations and continued his mission in Congress, where he visited those who have the power to make a change.

The 3D Activist’s transformation journey was captured in an expository documentary that had a creative idea at its core; a victim turned into 3D activist to fight gun violence.

Describe the outcome

The impact of our project is immeasurable. We created the first activist whose ideals could transcend him being a victim and stand forever in the fight for gun reform.

So far, the 3D Activist has visited the floor of the House of Representatives as they debate for new common-sense gun laws and countless other politicians. He has been inducted into the March for our Lives organization and awarded the International Children's Peace Prize.

Best of all, the very same House of Representatives Joaquin visited has started the change we so desperately seek by passing HR8, the bill to update background checks and the FIRST gun reform legislation to pass since 1994.

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