A RIOT Original: The Future Is Unwritten
2016 was a year heavy with emotion—a bittersweet collage of profound loss and collective resilience. We said goodbye to some of the world’s brightest stars while enduring the weight of humanity’s most harrowing struggles. As the year drew to a close, many were left wondering: What will the future hold? In the face of uncertainty, where can we find solace, strength, and purpose?
“The Future Is Unwritten” emerged from this raw emotional landscape, a RIOT original short film crafted with care and conviction by Chris “MUG5” Maguire and Zach Jopling. Filmed on a bitterly cold day on the streets of New York City, the film poses a single, poignant question to its subjects: What are your hopes for the world in 2017?
“I hope that black lives actually matter. I hope that immigrants actually matter,” says one voice, a sentiment that cuts through the noise and reflects the heart of a divided society. Another subject adds, “I hope that people can find some middle ground, listen to each other a little bit more, and try to see the other person’s point of view.” It’s a call to action for unity in a fractured world.

A striking black-and-white portrait from RIOT’s original film “The Future Is Unwritten,” highlighting the strength and hope of New York City’s diverse voices.
“We’ve chosen hatred in the past, and it’s proven insufficient. So I hope that we choose love.”
The answers, spoken in raw and unfiltered tones, are as diverse as the faces that fill the screen. Yet one word rises above them all: hope. “We’ve chosen hatred in the past, and it’s proven insufficient. So I hope that we choose love,” someone says, their words underscoring a belief that love, not anger, is the way forward.
Rendered in stunning black and white, the film draws viewersAn audience is a group of individuals who receive and engage with a specific message, content, or product. In marketing and creative fields, understanding the audience is critical to crafting resonant and impactful strategies and campaigns. into its intimate and unfiltered lens. Each frame captures the grit and grace of New York City, where even the smallest details—the texture of a jacket, the light in an eye—carry weight. The dramatic piano motif rippling over a backdrop of subtle percussion amplifies the raw emotion, weaving a soundtrack as bold and honest as the voices it underscores. The streetscape becomes a symphony, the city’s pulse a reflection of its people.

An anonymous subject wearing a Guy Fawkes mask forms a heart with their hands during the powerful RIOT original film, “The Future Is Unwritten.”
“Fight the fight with the mind, not might. If we strike back, we’re no better than the enemy is.”
One subject reflects deeply: “Fight the fight with the mind, not might. If we strike back, we’re no better than the enemy is.” It’s a sentiment that lingers, urging viewers to consider the power of thoughtAn idea is a thought, concept, or mental image that emerges as a solution, inspiration, or innovation. Ideas form the foundation of creativity and problem-solving, driving progress and sparking new opportunities. and understanding over violence and retaliation.
“The Future Is Unwritten” is a rallying cry. A testament to the belief that the future isn’t just something we wait for—it’s something we create. Through love, compassion, and understanding, humanity holds the tools to forge a brighter path. “The Future Is Unwritten” is a reminder that, in the face of uncertainty, we are not powerless. As one voice puts it, “I really want peace. I hope that things will get better.” Together, we can shape a world worth living in.