2021 Films

Next Gen Student Films

A close-up photo of a biracial person with long, curly hair and brown eyes, gazing directly into the camera. The person's facial expression appears neutral, and the background is out of focus, giving it a documentary feel.

Living Vicariously

A Film by Sofia D., The Representation Project, 2021

Mixed kids are exposed to many questions about their identity, place in the world, and local environments from a young age. The film aims to answer these questions and amplify conversations about their experiences by intertwining the stories of several mixed youths in New York City.

Read More
Close-up of a garden hose nozzle leaking water droplets. The background is a garden with green plants and a red-brick path, blurred to focus on the water droplets. The nozzle shows signs of dirt and wear, almost as if telling its own documentary story of everyday use and resilience.

Mirage in the Desert

A Film by Samantha F., The Representation Project, 2021

The world is running out of water and time to fix the crises. This short documentary film examines the water crisis and its devastating effects and explores solutions for how we can solve it.

Read More
A person wearing sunglasses and a sleeveless top sits on the grass, looking towards the camera. They have short dark hair pulled back and hold an open book on their lap. It's a sunny outdoor setting, reminiscent of my-grandma-fighter's pose from the old family documentary.

My Grandma, A Fighter

A Film by Kalijah R., The Representation Project, 2021

In this short documentary film, filmmaker Kalijah shares his grandmother, Beverly Bullchild’s story. Beverly grew up in foster care after losing her mother at an early age and shares her experience of feeling exploited for labor by her foster parents.

Read More
A young child with shoulder-length dark hair and glasses is sitting on the grass in front of a playground. Wearing a red T-shirt with a bear design, they smile softly. Trees and playground equipment dot the background, evoking the scenes often captured in heartfelt documentaries about indigenous communities.

No Lost Sisters

A Film by Jenaya Y., The Representation Project, 2021

Every day Indigenous mothers, daughters, sisters, and children go missing at an alarming rate. This short film imagines the fear and anguish of having a loved one kidnapped.

Read More
A child wearing an orange outfit stands against a plain background with a grid pattern, embodying the raw essence of documentary photography. The child has a serious expression, and text at the bottom of the image reads, "They didn't tell me I was already pretty.

Not a Choice

A Film by August L., The Representation Project, 2021

In this short film, the filmmaker speaks to 13 young people with Eating Disorders who share their experiences and fears. CW: This film discusses disordered eating and thoughts.

Read More
Papa, an elderly man with a bald head and glasses clipped with magnifying lenses, writes in a notebook on the table. Wearing a denim shirt and white t-shirt, he sits peacefully. In the background, his walker and a table with decorative items subtly hint at the care he receives for dementia.

Papa

A Film by Claiborne M., The Representation Project, 2021

In Eureka, California, a mother takes care of her father, who is living with dementia. During her short visit, She brings food and reminders to take his medicine, as well as medical documents. Tough times and difficult conversations are approached with care and compassion throughout this short film.

Read More