In 2018, I directed a 10-minute film about Literacy for Environmental Justice’s fight against environmental racism in Bayview, a frontline neighborhood experiencing the ongoing impacts of redlining and industrial toxicity. The film was strategically showcased at LEJ’s 20th-anniversary gathering to boost supporter engagement, inspire donors, and build community awareness.
Ethical Storytelling Behind the Scenes
In preparation, I attended weekly work days in LEJ’s native plant nursery, Bayview Environmental Justice Task Force Meetings, air quality monitoring work days, and collaborated on scripts with program directors and youth eco-stewards. Moving at the speed of trust, I developed all interview scripts, conducted welcoming interviews, operated camera and audio gear, edited the film, and gathered consent on final edits.
