Shannan Craine

Shannan Craine, 18, excels in writing and photography, in addition to filmmaking. For her YDA project, Shannan made a first person, experimental exploration of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA), a condition she has battled since a childhood. Her film STICKS & STONES, JOINTS & BONES uses archival photos, interviews and jolting poetic recreations to evoke images of JRA and the pain and struggle she’s endured to do simple things like sit cross legged and walk comfortably. The film reveals the resilience necessary in adapting to a condition mostly experienced by older adults and the unexpected triumphs and life perspectives afforded through her experience.