Ken Conder grew up during a time often left out of the history books. This film documents the history of the Colorado coal mines and Conder's personal stories and experiences. Growing up in the coal mining camps may have been difficult, but Conder recalls his childhood with the fondest of memories. “Looks Different” discusses how the coal mines operated, the way workers were treated, the foundation of the United Mine Workers Union, and the Ludlow Massacre. Conder explores three different locations in Southern Colorado that once housed different coal mines and their adjoining camps. Now, all that is left are the ruins of the places he once called home. Nominated for a Student Production Award from the Heartland Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS). Created by Bergen Backes.

The typical college experience is usually portrayed as a time of sex, romance, and relationships. For a small minority of college students, this can be far from the reality. The asexual community is often forgotten about in media, the LGBT+ community, and the college experience. "The Asexual Experience" looks at the college experience from the perspective of an asexual college student, Celia Frazier. Created by Bergen Backes

The Semester at Sea Spring 2024 voyage took place during a time of global challenges, political movements, and fights for survival causing differing opinions and beliefs on board the MV World Odessy. As the ship sailed across the world, I began to notice a theme of religious understanding in local communities that created powerful messages and beliefs that the world could do with understanding. I wanted to showcase the positive aspects of humanity from the countries we ported in and the shipboard community of Voyage 133. We are all human and we have to understand that to go forward into the world and listen to each other rather than engage in violence. Produced by Bergen Backes

A journey across seven different countries and exploring local religious sites and communities. Created for a video production course on the Spring 2024 voyage of Semester at Sea. Produced by Bergen Backes

This short documentary was created for my Performance Media Cultures class and discusses the performance LGBTQ+ people have to do while in the closet. Edited and produced by Bergen Backes.