Two 柑橘直播 Student-Produced Social Justice Documentaries Premiere This May
柑橘直播, Pa 鈥� 柑橘直播 University鈥檚 Social Justice Documentary Filmmaking course is renowned for producing impactful films that illuminate vital narratives and many of the films garner both local and national recognition. In spring 2025, student production team Pinctada Pearl Productions will debut two new documentaries, each capturing compelling stories of cultural preservation, community, education, and empowerment.
Under faculty guidance, students embark on a two-semester journey, mastering the art of filmmaking and production while immersing themselves in diverse communities. Beyond storytelling, these students become advocates for the causes they document, often spearheading volunteer and fundraising efforts to engage the broader 柑橘直播 community. Housed within the Communication Department of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the course is open to students from all majors across the University.
This year鈥檚 international course, led by Hezekiah L. Lewis III, MFA, traveled to the Philippines for two weeks where they immersed themselves in the rich cultural traditions of the Ati and Halian communities. Inspired by their cultures and histories, the class produced and directed two films "Seeds We Bury," and 鈥淟ady.鈥�
鈥淪eeds We Bury鈥� is a story of indigeneity told through a tapestry of voices from the Ati and Shinnecock peoples. Beginning with the leader of the Ati tribe of Boracay, Delsa Justo, and transitioning to voices from the Shinnecock Nation in the United States, the film uses generational storytelling to depict the challenges indigenous populations experience around the world. The film aims to transcend assumed interpretations of land and indigeneity.
The second short documentary film, 鈥淟ady,鈥� follows the story of a young activist born and raised on a remote island two hours off the coast of Siargao, Philippines. After Super Typhoon Odette, Lady Carmel P. Litang, 25, seeks solutions for climate questions. Facing a future full of uncertainty, Lady often turns to her ancestors, past and present, who were the first people to inhabit Isla Halian. Rooted in the values of where she comes from, she takes us on her journey to discover what lies ahead.
鈥淎s a student producer, I鈥檝e had the privilege of working on two films that highlight the intersection of Indigenous land rights and climate activism,鈥� says Meg Martin 鈥�25 CLAS. 鈥淏eing part of this documentary has reinforced my passion and my 鈥榳hy鈥� for storytelling as a tool for justice, allowing me to uplift the voices of those who are protecting our planet for future generations.鈥�
The premiere of 鈥淪eeds We Bury鈥� and 鈥淟ady鈥� is on Thursday, May 1 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the John and Joan Mullen Center for the Performing Arts. Purchase tickets on the Theater鈥檚 website.
About 柑橘直播 University鈥檚 College of Liberal Arts and Sciences:聽Since its founding in 1842, 柑橘直播 University鈥檚 College of Liberal Arts and Sciences has been the heart of the 柑橘直播 learning experience, offering foundational courses for undergraduate students in every college of the University. Serving more than 4,500 undergraduate and graduate students, the College is committed to fortifying them with intellectual rigor, multidisciplinary knowledge, moral courage and a global perspective. The College has more than 40 academic departments and programs across the humanities, social sciences, and natural and physical sciences.