HRW: Traveling Film Festival: Film Guide: Juvies

Juvies

Visit the JUVIES Web site to learn more about the film, the subjects of the film and the filmmakers http://www.juvies.net/
To learn more about Duc Ta and take action on his behalf, visit his site directly at http://www.justiceforduc.com/
To see more stills from the film, visit photographer Ara Oshagan’s Web site at http://www.araoshagan.com/WebPages/juvies_project/juvies_intro.html

Please note that all images on this site are the property of Ara Oshagan. If you are interested in using any of these images, you must obtain permission from the photographer.
Learn more about Human Rights Watch’s work on Juvenile Justice at http://hrw.org/children/justice.htm

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© Ara Oshagan

Interview with the Director

What is the history of the film? How did you come to this story and what inspired you to make the film?

The director, Leslie Neale, was invited in to observe a writing class at juvenile hall. She was so impressed with the kids in the program that she wanted to conduct a similar program with video cameras. Hence, she began volunteering her time to teach a video production class at Eastlake Central Juvenile Hall in Los Angeles, the country’s largest juvenile facility. Shortly after she began, she brought in other team members to work with the kids as well.

As the kids began to share with us and each other their shocking personal histories and equally shocking charges and overly punitive sentences, it became apparent there was a disconnect between what the public perceives about the juvenile justice system and what is actually happening.

When you were making the film, were there particular obstacles you encountered?

Certainly, as with all films. Our greatest obstacle was working within the criminal justice system. The system had no compunction about stripping away a child’s juvenile rights and trying them as an adult, where he/she could face the rest of his/her life in prison; however, one of the hardest things to do within that system is to photograph or film that same child. We had to continuously jump through bureaucratic hoops. Persistence really paid off, however, and after several years, “Juvies” was completed.

Can you discuss your approach to making the film, e.g. interviewing, research, editing?

Through exercises and demonstrations, the kids were taught interviewing techniques, composition and how to operate video cameras. Numerous publications were read, as well as interviews with District Attorneys, Public Defenders, judges, victims, parents and police in order to lay a firm foundation for the personal stories of the kids. One-quarter to one-third of the footage used in the film was actually shot by the kids, as well as some of the interviews. Editing occurred over a full year’s time.

After making this film, have you changed your views about particular aspects of this situation or story?

Very early on in the process, we received a great education in what was really happening within our juvenile justice system. From that point on, more and more evidence was presented, showing how we’re throwing away our future one child at a time. Our views were firmly planted and cultivated as we moved through the process and we know that it’s going to take people on all sides of the issue to bring about a solution that works for all.

What are you working on now?

Most of our time is spent getting “Juvies” on the market to create a grassroots groundswell. The film is being shown in conferences, symposiums, universities, churches, schools and private homes to audiences numbering from 2 to 1,000. We are intent on creating a distribution strategy where as many people can see the film as possible who have need of hearing the message. We want to reach kids and their parents; defenders and prosecutors; judges and advocates. We want “Juvies” to call youth to take action and demand education and rehabilitation over incarceration.

We plan to create more social justice documentaries. We hope to incorporate a mentoring program for kids who were at one time or another in the criminal justice system.

If someone wanted to know what they could do with regards to some of the issues raised in the film, what would you suggest they do?

Look on our website and connect with some of the organizations we’ve worked with such as Youth Justice Coalition or Youth Law Center, or other youth advocacy groups in your area and donate your time. Become a mentor. Give time to a local school that needs volunteers to close the gap between what their funding provides and what children really need. Most importantly, listen to the kids in your life. Just because they’re kids doesn’t mean they don’t have a valid opinion or viewpoint. It only takes a few minutes to tell someone they matter. Do it as often as possible.

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If you would like to send a question of your own, you can do so by emailing info@juvies.net.

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