SMALL TRUTHS presents an integral facet of immigration via the words and visages of  children

 

Second graders in a Staten Island, NYC public school are filmed as they present writing and illustrations based on their own experiences.

 

This idea was conceived by Sarah Yuster after 11 years of working as a teaching artist doing a literacy/visual arts program with elementary school students on Staten Island's North Shore.  When given a choice, many of these children who were newly arrived from Latin America, Southeast Asia, Africa or the Mid East opted to tell about the difficulties adjusting to a new home with a vastly different language and culture. They often created pieces about family bonds and new friendships, expressing optimism for their new lives.

 

"My best day was when my dad let me help him at his job on Sunday. From early in the morning we digged holes and took wheelbarrows of dirt and planted seeds. We put old leaves in giant bags. When it got dark the man said, 'good job' and gave my daddy 80 dollars. My dad gave me 40. We went to Wendy's and I ate a cheeseburger. It was delicious"

 

José - age 9

 

Filmmaker, Michael McWeeney, in documenting the children's  artwork, gives them a voice, illuminating the universal desire to lead a purposeful life and see one's family thrive.

 

Your generous financial support helps cover the expenses of shooting, post production, and public outreach. Please donate.