In 2019, I had the opportunity to serve as the lead cinematographer for the highlights crew at the Made In America festival in Philadelphia — a three-day event uniting music, culture, and purpose in support of criminal justice reform.

We kicked things off on Friday with the opening livestream on the iconic steps of the Philadelphia Art Museum. I filmed Gia Peppers and Chris Stylez sprinting up the steps, dancing in front of the fountain in slow motion, and setting the tone for the weekend. Later, we met up again for a more intimate fireside-style interview where they dove into the cause, the artists, the vendors, the fans — and the energy that makes this festival special.

From there, my job for the rest of the weekend was simple: go everywhere the energy was. On stage. In the crowd. Backstage. Anywhere the moment was happening.

I captured performances and behind-the-scenes moments with artists like Lizzo, Lil Uzi Vert, Gucci Mane, Jorja Smith, Bazzi, and Grace Carter — sometimes standing just feet away from them on stage, other times deep in the crowd to show the festival from the fans’ perspective.

Our goal was to create visuals you can’t get from a broadcast camera: something raw, intimate, and alive.

By the end of the weekend, we had built a dynamic highlight package that reflected the full heartbeat of Made In America — from the performances to the people, the city, and the mission behind it.