T.O. student creates film to help others
By Avi Rutschman avi@theacorn.com

Aaron Blum, a 16-year-old junior at Thousand Oaks High School, is hoping that his new documentary will leave a footprint in the minds of its viewers.

Titled "Operation Footprint: The Steps to a New Life," the 20minute film chronicles the volunteer efforts of doctors and nurses as they attempt to help children in Honduras who were born with clubfoot.

Medically known as talipes equinovarus, clubfoot is a congenital defect in which the foot is twisted in and down. In povertystriken countries such as Honduras, the illness can be especially dibilitating since walking is the primary method of travel.

Blum found out about Operation Footprint three years ago when he screened a documentary he'd made about tolerance for his dad's Rotary Club.

"Sandy Schultz, the director of Operation Footprint, saw my documentary and asked if I was interested in doing a film on her project," Blum said.

Lacking the necessary travel funds, Blum began filming weddings, bar mitzvahs and parties in order to earn money for the trip.

Having finally saved enough money, Blum arrived in Honduras early this year with a Sony VX2100 camera in hand and his dad by his side.

"Honduras was a beautiful country, but once you left the capital there was a lot of poverty," Blum said. "The houses we stayed in had amazing views, but below them the homes were all made of sheet metal. There was no middle class."

From Jan. 19 to 22, Blum filmed the doctors, nurses and volunteer members of Operation Footprint in action.

During the first two days, 300 kids were examined, and a total of 35 were selected for the pro bono operation. Blum documented the operations on the third day and dedicated his last day in Honduras to filming life in the villages.

"I wanted to try and follow every step of the project," Blum said. "I felt it was important to show the living conditions of the kids and to also show previous recipients of the operation."

Arriving back in the U.S., Blum didn't feel content with only documenting the volunteer program.

"After seeing that not all the children were receiving help, I decided I wanted to raise money to help more of them," Blum said.

Blum will be screening his documentary about his trip to Honduras at Thousand Oaks High School in hopes of raising money

for children afflicted by clubfoot. The screening will include a speech from Dr. Stan Weinstein, the head surgeon of Operation Footprint.

The screening will be held at 7 p.m. Fri., June 16 in the PA room of the school at 2323 N. Moorpark Road. Adult tickets are $10, student tickets $5. All proceeds will be donated towards helping more children obtain surgery and postoperative care.

For more information or to order tickets, e-mail Aaron Blum at plumheadproductions@verizon.net.