Founding Presenter: Adobe Youth Voices

The second edition of Youth Producing Change shares 10 powerful stories from young filmmakers across the globe as they turn a camera on their own lives and share their visions of change.

I Live in Mozambique

Alcides Soares in association with BYkids—US/Mozambique—2008—4m—doc—In English

Alcides, who recently lost both parents to HIV/AIDS, documents the community impact of the epidemic. His story focuses on the realities for children left to fend for themselves; their resilience to recreate family and to persevere.

Leila

Produced by 16 youth filmmakers from Camera-etc.—Burkina Faso—2007—4m—animation—In French with English subtitles

This enchantingly rendered animated short tells the story of Liela, an only daughter of poor farmers who decide to exchange her for one bag of millet to feed the rest of their family. The story focuses on the lives of children that are sold into servitude.

Sako

Aram Abrahamyan and David Martirosyan of Manana Youth Center—Armenia—2005—5m—doc—In Armenian with English subtitles

Meet Sako, a 13 year old boy who works in a gravestone factory in order to support his family. Sako speaks about his daily life, and his dreams of going to school.

Thoughts In A Hijab

Cliona Byrne, Eimanne El Zein, and Sahar Shakeri of Reel Grrls—US—2008—7m—doc—In English and Persian with English subtitles

A young woman who recently emigrated from Iran, and her choice to continue wearing the hijab (Islamic head covering) that once symbolized oppression for her family.

Noè’s Story

Noè in association with Beyond Borders: Mas Alla de las Fronteras—US—2008—5m—doc—In Spanish with English subtitles

Noè, 15, a recent immigrant to the US, explores his identity in his new country. Driven to succeed despite obstacles he faces, he challenges other new immigrants not to give up hope.

What Courage Means to Me

Lekphel, Lungsang, Pema, Tashi, and students at Tibetan Children’s Village in collaboration with Bridges to Understanding—US/Tibet—2008—4m—doc—In English

Inspired by the courageous story of a Tibetan nun and former political prisoner who escaped Tibet, Lungsang resolves to keep Tibetan culture alive for the next generation.

Aquafinito

Annalise Littman in association with the Fast Forward Program at the Insitute of Contemporary Art—US—2009—10m—doc—In English

Access to clean water is a basic human necessity, yet corporations seeking profit are purchasing community water supplies around the world. Aquafinito raises awareness of the human rights and environmental impact of bottled water.

It’s Not About Sex

Ibrahim Al Hashidi, Aaron A. Alberto, David Brice, Jessica Cele, Everin Khatun, Will Lucas, Shon McGoy, Justin Miro, Paola Pazymino, Daniel Potts, Luis Rodriguez, Sara Siddique
Akeem Smith in association with Educational Video Center—US—2009—8m—doc—In English

Shocked by the claim that more than half of all rapes happen to people under 18, young filmmakers search for the roots of sexual violence and call for change.

Just a Normal Day

Fiona Whelan, Samantha Williams, and Arran Walker in association with BFI Reel Lives—UK—2008—5m—doc—English

The grim reality of life for young people in London who are targets of arbitrary "stop and search" and maltreatment by police.

In My Shoes

Produced by 12 youth filmmakers from Urban Arts Partnership—US—2008—8m—doc—In English

Each night 1,600 teenagers in New York City find themselves homeless. Clevins and Jackie, two formerly homeless teens from New York City share their stories of overcoming adversity and their work to create a community of support around teen homelessness.

Filmmakers present

Adobe Youth Voices is the Adobe Foundation’s global philanthropic initiative that empowers youth from underserved communities worldwide to comment on their world using multimedia and digital tools to communicate and share their ideas, demonstrate their potential, and take action in their communities. By harnessing the energy and insight of youth and enabling them to express themselves, their opinions, and aspirations, Adobe Youth Voices aims to inspire a dialogue for change in their communities. In and out of the classroom, Adobe Youth Voices utilizes the power of technology as part of the learning experience for middle- and high-school- age youth to enable them to think creatively, communicate effectively, and work collaboratively—critical 21st century skills. For more information, visit www.adobe.com/go/youthvoices.