Villanova, Pennsylvania – Each year, students in Villanova University’s Social Justice Documentary Filmmaking course produce films that draw attention to important social issues, often winning local and national awards. In May 2023, three new documentaries will premiere on campus. The film tells a story of resilience, women’s empowerment, and advocacy.
Under the guidance of faculty, students spend two semesters traveling to filming locations both domestically and internationally to learn filmmaking and documentary production. Students become passionate advocates for the issues explored in the films and often organize volunteer events to engage the campus community. This course is run by the Department of Communication in the College of Liberal Arts and is open to students from all over the university.
oak tree films is a production group run by students in the Social Justice Documentary course and led by Hezekiah L. Lewis III, assistant professor and M.A. in the Department of Communication. During their two-week stay in Siaya, Kenya, Oak Tree Films students visited various schools including Nina School for the Deaf, a boarding primary school that educates students with hearing, visual and other physical disabilities. Visited women’s groups and communities. The international documentary NINA tells the stories of resilience and determination of students and teachers in the face of social prejudice and government deprioritization of school needs.
Oak Tree’s second international film, Her Time is Now, follows two Siaya women as they navigate economic and social challenges within a patriarchal context. This documentary highlights their creative methods of self-determination and their dedicated efforts to empower themselves and future generations.
“I had the opportunity to meet and hear profound stories from such inspiring people in Siaya, Kenya,” says Kristin Rivera, CLAS ’23, Economics, Peace and Justice. “We are proud to have the opportunity to amplify voices that are often silenced and hope our documentary will inspire positive change in society.”
Tickets are now on sale for the premieres of Her Time is Now and NINA on Thursday, May 4th at the John and Joanne Mullen Center for the Performing Arts. The lobby opens at 6pm and the doors to the Topper Theater open at 6:30pm. Additional on-campus screenings will be held at the Connelly Cinema on Friday, May 5th at 1pm and Sunday, May 7th at 6pm. – Campus screenings are open to the public with a $5 admission fee paid at the door via cash, Venmo, Zelle, Cashapp, or Apple Pay.
6060 Production, a student-run production company and part of the Social Justice Documentary course taught by Dr. Tania Romero, assistant professor in the Department of Communication, is proud to announce the release of the documentary “Say What You See.” This film explores the untapped potential of audio description and its impact on the lives of visually impaired people. Say What You See follows the journey of Thomas Reid, who becomes blind as an adult. Reed turned her obstacles into a call to action by creating a podcast advocating for audio explanations. “Say What You See” urges media professionals and viewers alike to recognize the importance of accessibility in entertainment and media.
6060 Productions will host an on-campus screening of the film at the Connelly Cinema on Wednesday, May 10 from 6 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
About Villanova University College of Liberal Arts: Since its founding in 1842, Villanova University’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences has cultivated the knowledge, understanding, and intellectual courage to live purposefully in a difficult and changing world. With more than 40 majors spanning the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, it is the oldest and largest of Villanova’s colleges and universities, and enrolls more than 4,500 undergraduate and graduate students each year. The college is committed to the teacher-scholar model, providing excellent undergraduate and graduate research opportunities and preparing students to become critical thinkers, strong communicators, and ethical leaders with a truly global perspective. We offer a rigorous core curriculum to prepare you.