FROM TRASH TO TREASURE: turning negatives into positives in Lesotho

Directed by Iara Lee

Run Time: 25 minutes 7 seconds, United States

From erosion to overgrazing to enduring poverty, the people of Lesotho—a highland country surrounded by South Africa—face a variety of difficult challenges. Yet grassroots communities in the country also exhibit tremendous resourcefulness and creativity. In particular, a wealth of artists have mastered a talent for resurrection, developing the skill to creatively turn negatives into positives: Designers who turn discarded trash into beautiful jewelry, clothes, rugs. Filmmakers who turn tragedy into artistic expressions of resilience and compassion. Musicians who write songs to save the environment. In this short, Cultures of Resistance Films profiles a variety of these inventive creators, introducing viewers to a fascinating cast of local residents who are using art as a means of communicating a communal desire for positive change. 

The Maroon Bomber

Directed by Joshua M. Thomas

Run Time: 9 minutes 57 seconds, United States

Four siblings delve into the love they share for the family’s old, beat up truck. This love gets tested.

The Romey Lynchings: A Story of Lebanese Immigrants

Directed by Josh Sabey

Run Time: 30 minutes, United States

N'oula Romey was the fourth victim of racial terror that year in Florida, and one of ten people who were lynched by white mobs across the US in 1929 alone. Just hours before, his wife Hasna (Fannie) Rahme was fatally shot by Lake City police in their store.

Roots of Lacrosse

Directed by Shelby Tsioweri:iohsta Adams, Joanne Storkan

Run Time: 23 minutes 34 seconds, Canada

Many lacrosse players and coaches often don’t know that the origins of the game of lacrosse has it’s roots in North American Indigenous nations.This short documentary provides a brief history of the sacred and cultural aspects of this sport, originally played for the Creator, as well as for the health and welfare of the people. The movie also defines the three types of North American, Indigenous lacrosse: Iroquois, Great Lakes, and Southeastern.

YOU CAN'T GIVE UP

Directed by Anthony Collings

Run Time: 16 minutes 51 seconds, United States

In America one out of every three black men is likely to end up in prison. This is the story of one young man who tried to avoid that fate -- and the mentor who helped him.