Every seat in the GALA Theatre was filled and viewers lined the back walls to watch “Our Stories,” a series of documentaries made by eight D.C. teenagers, at a January 18 screening. Under the guidance of Amy Kendricks, a graduate student in American University’s School of Communication, the students wrote, produced and edited their own short films on subjects ranging from personal relationships to personal identity.  The audience laughed, cheered and cried as the students invited each one us, if only for a few minutes, into their lives.

Brittney Barbour’s film “Grey” commented on the complications of race, and the persecution she faced as a black girl with a white best friend. She concluded that her friendship afforded her the ability to see beyond color and experience true friendship.

In “What’s the Point of All This Noise,” Gordon Gellatly, reflected on his musical aspirations.  After strumming out a Kurt Cobain tune, he questioned his own depth as a young songwriter, saying, “I’m still searching for that big part of my life that will define me.”

Also a musician, Darren McIntyre shared is love for hip hop in “Hip Hop is My Life.” After watching his father and older brother go to jail, Darren found positive release in hip hop music. He expresses emotions safely through lyrics and rhymes without steering down the wrong path.
Aspiring artist Keagoe Stith gave a lighthearted to tribute to his best friends in “My Buddies and Me.” Displaying his artistic promise, Keagoe filmed himself sketching his buddies in typical scenes of their friendship: playing video games and hanging out at school.

In “Patience,” Shaylah Hailes shared her special relationship with her younger brother, who has autism. She is a protective and caring older sister who gets frustrated at times, but ultimately understands how much she and her brother can help one another.

With humor and refreshing insight, Amauta Marston-Firmino chronicled his transformation into the young man he is today in “Little Fish.” When he reflects on his search for his identity, he is reminded that he must always be true to himself.

Self-proclaimed perfectionist Kelly Hanan confessed that her quest for excellence sometimes interferes with her social life, in “Perfection.” Though she always produces high quality work, she wonders what life would be like if she were able to loosen up a little.

Finally, Luis Callejas’s “On the Bridge” recounted a strained relationship with his father that resulted in a period of homelessness.  He found hope in a new adoptive family, a new outlook on school, and his artistic expression.
Despite playing to such a large crowd, each film had the intimacy of diary. Community members and peers praised the filmmakers for their maturity, courage and insight. Their impressive work will continue to develop, as the students all say they plan to make more films.

“I guess since we have the cameras, now we can be on YouTube,” McIntyre said.
The filmmakers also inspired one another with their films. Stith joked that his problems did not compare to what his peers had faced. Barbour responded that the experience helped them all understand the meaning of perspective, reminding everyone to think twice before they pass judgment.

“They’ve inspired me,” Marston-Firmino said. “They’re heroes for me now.”