BEN BLUM is a 13 year old documentary filmmaker who lives in San Rafael, CA. He is an 8th grader at Saint Mark's School, also in San Rafael. His latest video, Data Obsession, focuses on the overuse of government surveillance in the U.S, and won second place in the national C-SPAN StudentCam competition; out of over 5,000 people. In addition, he runs a highly acclaimed Youtube channel, which has accumulated over 1.1 million views and 4,000 subscribers.  His channel can be accessed at https://www.youtube.com/user/interactivevideos5   He is passionate about U.S. history, current events, and foreign affairs.  Currently, he is working on a documentary relating to human rights in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

Ben's school - Saint Mark's - is so proud of Ben and wants everyone to know that Ben is a product of his environment as you can tell from Saint Mark's description:

"For over a decade Saint Mark's media and information literacy program has fostered in students the ability to understand information, interpret meaning and communicate with others across multiple forms of media, from novels to news, from writing an essay to producing a video. This innovative program, honored by the National Association of Independent Schools with a Leading Edge Award, raises students' awareness of how mass media influences individuals and society.

Students learn to identify and deconstruct the codes and conventions media use to sell, persuade, entertain and educate. They also learn fundamental critical thinking, communication, research and technology skills, along with how to use the power of voice to make a difference in the world."

Please visit Ben's Youtube Channel to view his award winning CSPAN StudentCam film and other works:  https://www.youtube.com/user/interactivevideos5