2021 Films Archives - Page 4 of 5 - The Representation Project

A serene lake at dawn with a pink-hued sky, like a scene from a calm documentary. The lake, framed by lush green trees, holds a small distant island. The tranquil water reflects the sky and surrounding foliage perfectly, with an almost sadness-reflected peace in its mirror-like effect.

Sadness Reflected

A Film by Anya B., The Representation Project, 2021

Told from the perspective of teenage girls from Maine, This short documentary film reflects on the isolation experienced by teenagers during the quarantine of 2020.

A person in a red and white shawl sits on the floor near a small wooden shrine, performing a prayer ritual. They are blowing into a conch shell, with candles, flowers, and offerings arranged around the shrine in a well-lit room—a serene representation captured as if for a documentary.

Shh! It’s a War Zone

A Film by Adrija J., The Representation Project, 2021

A young filmmaker interviews her grandmother about escaping a war-torn homeland with her three-month-old sister. Shh! It’s a War Zone journeys through a life in refuge via a grandmother’s memories and a granddaughter’s curious camera.

Two people are silhouetted against the light as they stand holding hands at the entrance of a rustic, thatched-roof hut. The surroundings outside appear bright, in contrast with the dim interior. The scene gives a sense of companionship and departure, like a sprouting journey documented in silence.

Tetsmolini (Sprouting)

The Representation Project, 2021

Wana, who is very sick, realizes that she is not ready to leave her grandson Miliano, who did not learn to speak her language. On her deathbed, Aleja, the Curandera of the community, uses her sacred knowledge to ask the sacred winds for help. Wana will talk to the winds, guardians of the land to find the strength she needs to continue her legacy and provide a bridge between humans and the earth.

A group of people walks across a cable-stayed bridge during sunset, with the sun visible and reflecting off the water in the background. The scene, reminiscent of a poignant documentary, features prominently the cables creating diagonal lines across the sky.

The Bridge

A Film by Shreya M. & Calvin C., The Representation Project, 2021

Tri-Cities, Washington has a long history of segregation. In this short documentary film, one woman explores her identity, her city’s messy past and discovers her place within the next generation of her community.

Four people are sitting on a couch, smiling. The person in the center is circled in blue, representing the central figure in this scene. They are surrounded by friends, one of whom is wearing a Lakers jersey. A wall with a light switch and some hanging items is visible on the left.

The Drop in a Sea

A Film by Nahui P., The Representation Project, 2021

Nikishna shares his story about growing up in the foster care system from the age of three. This short documentary explores his experience of an unstable childhood, which included moving from one house to another, and several bad caretakers.

A person wearing a black shirt is seated in an office with various papers and objects on the desk and shelves behind them. A computer screen displays a blue background with white icons. A sign reading "Emergency Escape Ladder" is visible in the background, suggesting they're working on a documentary about the importance of cultural identity.

The Importance of Cultural Identity

A Film by Thomas W., The Representation Project, 2021

In this short documentary film, social worker Darlyn Tsosie shares her experience in native communities, including managing foster care cases for indigenous children in compliance with the Indian Child Welfare Act.

Next Gen Student Films