Three 2019 graduates from Edison Career and Technology High School have been selected as finalists for the 2019 Rochester Teen Film Festival. Their movie
“My New Home” was selected from many entries from around the United States and beyond, including Italy. The documentary looks at the process of gaining U.S. citizenship through the eyes of a teenager.
Espoir came to the United States from Burundi and has been in America for nine years; Kyin was born in a refugee camp in Thailand and came to America when he was 8; and Mberwa came to the U.S. from Kenya and his been in America for 14 years.
This movie was part of their senior capstone project and was one of the criteria they needed to complete in order to receive an endorsement on their diploma. These students have spent the last three years in the Digital Media Arts and Communication (DMAC) pathway that focuses on video and television production. The skills built during their years in the program culminate with hands-on experience both in front of the camera and behind the scenes.
The documentary focuses on the strains the citizenship process can have on youth and their families. DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) is also addressed, as well as the positive experiences that have come from gaining citizenship.
The film the students produced will be screened with 10 other finalists on Thursday, August 8
th at the Little Theatre, and each film will be recognized with an award. Espoir and Kyin will attend with family and staff members from Edison Career and Technology High School.
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