As I kept saying in the video blogs available on our website: “hello, this is writer/director, Derek Newman”. First off, thanks to everyone for taking time to be a part of this special event, the launch of the sequel in the “What We’ve Learned” series, “A Youth Perspective of Sexual Assault”. This was my first choice for the sequel, something I wanted to do pretty much right after we sent in the first documentary to be pressed.

First, I would like to thank the youth who came forward and displayed unbelievable inner strength, courage and drive to not only survive the assaults but also to come forward and share their intimate stories. You have already inspired me and I know your words will inspire a lot of people in the future.

Second, to the professionals in the video: your expertise helped round out the video and I would like to thank you for helping me along the way. The artist, Diane Pilon: after asking around 30 artists and feeling like my vision for the opening credits was not going to happen, you stepped in and, in a week, delivered six great portraits. Thank you for your time and talents.

To the musicians: thanks to Scott Mitchell and “Another Story” for donating their song “Destination” for the end credits. Thanks to Cristina Masotti (violin) and Agnes Malkinson (cello) for coming in and recording the intro credits. To Matt Yzereef (composer), thanks for working very hard to compose and polish the soundtrack for the film. Finally, to Al Yzereef Jr: I do not know if words can describe my appreciation for the uncountable amount of hours we spent discussing the soundtrack, finding the emotional tone of the film, practicing the music and polishing it right up to the recording day. Thank you.

The editor, Darrel Dupuis. With almost everything I do in life, whether it be graphic design, photography, my job, drumming, I always try to set the bar higher every time. With the sequel, I wanted it to be better and, without Darrel, I doubt that would have been possible. Darrel may be one of the best collaborations I have ever worked with because we were able, not without a ton of effort, to find a medium between contributing ideas. I came in with the film in my mind and I even had the sequences story boarded. Darrel was able to take my ideas and help me make them better where they needed to be, thus making the film better. His dedication and work ethic was everything I could have wanted. Thank you Darrel for everything.

Finally, to everyone at the centre for helping me out, thank you. To Marlene Gorman, the boss, I appreciate you finding the funding to help make my vision a reality and also allowing an artist like myself the creative freedom to create. A special thanks goes out to my fiancee, Cindy, who helped inspire me to make this film. Cindy: thanks for not only inspiring me to make the film but also inspiring me in my life. Thank you to everyone out there for making this launch a success.

- Derek Newman (writer/director)