Young documentarian finds veterans' voices worth preserving
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A man who spent his adolescence in Chazy, New York says he's grateful to share the knowledge he's learned from people in the North Country and in other parts of the globe, insight from individuals who have experienced some of the world's most significant events. Luke Basso, 21, has a passion for history and preserving the stories of veterans and other historical witnesses. He began interviewing veterans at just 15 years old and launched his YouTube channel, Filmperia, at the age of 17.
What started as a passion project has grown into a historical archive. Basso has conducted more than 125 interviews with veterans from the United States, Iraq, and Afghanistan, along with Holocaust survivors and victims of communist regimes, all with the mission of preserving firsthand history from all perspectives before it is lost.
Earlier this year, Basso traveled to Ukraine, which has been enduring a full-scale invasion and active warfare for more than four years. He spoke with Ukrainian soldiers, civilians, and others, documenting the realities of modern conflict.
Basso sat down with our community contributor Kira Witherwax to discuss his journey to Ukraine and interactions with people he met there.
You may see Luke’s work on his YouTube channel, Filmperia. It’s an archive of his veteran and historic witness interviews.
Luke is currently a student at Cape Fear Community College in Wilmington, North Carolina.
Community Contributor Kira Witherwax
Kira Witherwax of Port Kent, New York, is a Licensed Real Estate Associate Broker with RE/MAX North Country, a local real estate brokerage. A past president of the Clinton County Board of REALTORS®, Kira continues to serve on committees with both the National and New York State REALTOR® Associations.
Beyond her professional work, Kira is an active member of her community as a Rotarian and a member of the Keeseville Elks Lodge. She enjoys meeting new people, exploring the many communities that make up the North Country, enjoying local restaurants, reading, and spending time with her family.
As a community contributor, Kira shares the stories and insights of the people and organizations that shape our communities, highlighting perspectives and experiences that inspire conversation, deepen understanding, and remind us of what we all share.