Howard Payne University senior Adam Hardy, like many students, leads a busy life. The Corpus Christi native keeps a tight schedule of class work, extracurricular activities and church involvement. Most of his sparse “free time,” however, is spent behind the lens of a camera, documenting life around him.
The pursuit of his passion for film led to an award from the Baptist General Convention of Texas for a contest that encouraged “Millennials” (those born between 1980 and 2000) to submit a video about their generation.
His short film, “Stained Glass,” which focused on bridging the gap between two generations, took home the top award from the organization. The film starred HPU freshman Wilder Cano of Seguin and local businessman Doil Hammons.
“The inspiration for the film came from the book ‘The Orphaned Generation,’ written by my friend, Scott Wilcher,” Hardy said. “The book discusses the Father’s heart for generations reconnecting with one another. In it, Scott tells a story about a senior adult telling a new kid to get out of ‘his’ pew in church. That scenario inspired me to write the screenplay.”
Keith Platte, director of HPU’s Baptist Student Ministry, suggested the contest to Hardy.
“When I first heard about the contest, I thought I didn’t have enough time,” Hardy said. “But it was a simple story with a simple message, and I knew I wanted to try it.”
Lending their support were Billy Nelson, a local videographer; Calvary Baptist Church, where the video was filmed; and many others who served as cast or crew members. Because of the participation from others, filming wrapped up in just four hours. Hardy calls this “kind of a miracle.”
“None of the actors were trained in film,” he added.
Hardy is active with the Student Speaker Bureau, HPU’s debate team, and has also participated in Moot Court and Model United Nations. He spends many hours working on his undergraduate thesis for the Douglas MacArthur Academy of Freedom, HPU’s multidisciplinary honors program. He is also very active in church leadership roles.
Once on track to attend law school after graduation, he enjoys film so much he plans to make it his life career. No matter how he’s spending his time, however, Hardy wants it to mean something.
“Whether it’s through my films, friendships, in class or on the Student Speaker Bureau, I want to relate to people,” he said. “Awards are nice, but I want to remember the people and the relationships I develop.”
To view “Stained Glass,” visit http://texasbaptists.org/opening-doors/the-millennials. For more of Hardy’s work, visit www.youtube.com/ajusticefilms.
Pictured above: Adam Hardy pauses while on the “Stained Glass” set. Photo by Katie Mullaney, HPU sophomore.