How would you describe yourself in a couple of sentences?
I’m a Gen Z documentary filmmaker and photographer. I am passionate about social justice issues and youth empowerment and have been an active volunteer in my community since I was 8 years old.
Tell me about the film you produced.
When I was 16 I set out on a 6 month journey around the world to direct and film a documentary called The Sunrise Storyteller about the ways grassroots activists are making a difference despite adversity. I intended to demonstrate that no matter where you’ve come from, or what resources you do or don’t have access to, anyone is capable of creating a positive social impact.
What inspired you to create this?
At 14 years old, I attended a gender equality conference as a delegate to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women at UN Headquarters. The conference brings together people from all over the world ranging from leaders of countries to grassroots activists at the civil society level. This was an eye-opening experience for me. Hearing people’s stories and experiencing their passion and determination to rise above the most pressing issues facing their communities, locally and globally. It inspired me to use my passion for photography and film to tell stories that would motivate others to take action, too.
You were only 14 when you pursued this project. What were some of the challenges you faced as a result of your youth?
I was only 14 when I came up with the crazy idea to drop everything I was doing, including school, to travel around the world and make a documentary (which I’d never done before). Not to mention, I was living in a single-parent household with my mom, who had to focus on providing for us – not funding a world-wide trip. This monumental task seemed like a pipe dream, but I had the conviction to find a way to raise the money through crowdsource funding. I wanted to do anything to make this possible. At first, it was really hard to get people on board. Nobody would have believed that a 14 year old girl could take this on. I got used to hearing “that’s cute.” Despite what anyone said or thought, I continued on, because I cared so much about the impact I wanted to make in the world.
What are you most proud of about the film? What do you hope people will get out of it?
I think positive media plays a vital role in empowering others. The film has travelled internationally to 60 film festivals and has won 28 awards, to date. Although I could have just made the film, released it, and hoped that people took something away from it, I wanted to do more to create a social impact, especially among youth. I decided to create a workshop to accompany the film to take into schools. The workshop focuses on helping young people learn how they can contribute their unique skills and talents to take action on the Sustainable Development Goals. I’m proud to have worked with so many bright youth who have said they feel empowered with the skills to become an active member of their communities and feel like they can make a difference.
You’re obviously an extraordinary young woman– was there a specific experience you had that impacted you or something you can point to that might help readers understand what motivates you?
Consumption of mainstream media is undoubtedly overwhelming. Sensationalized headlines can often leave us feeling quite de-motivated, anxious, sad, or angry. I believe it’s highly important not to gloss over issues, or just paint a pretty picture; there are very real challenges that are facing our world today. That said, I believe we need to create a more balanced perspective of the world, break down stereotypes about people in our global community, and highlight the innovative and sustainable solutions people are working hard to find around the world. These are the stories that inspire me everyday to take action, and I hope they do the same for others.
Do you listen to podcasts? If so, what are some of your favorites?
I like Gettin’ Curious with Jonathan Van Ness, I appreciate his sense of wonder and passion for learning. It’s informative and fun to listen to.
Who inspires you?
I’m inspired by young women who are at the forefront of movements that are advocating for systemic change. They’re so brave, and it encourages me, as a social justice advocate, to have the courage to stand up for what I believe in.
Check out Kasha’s TED Talk: Mission Possible: Shifting the Bad News Narrative For Social Good
* Photo credit: The Global Sunrise Project
