“One of those brilliant pieces which reminds us what documentary does best: captures small, specific stories which illuminate much broader issues and themes.”

— Rick Ayers, Ph.D., Huffington Post

“Powerfully and compassionately illustrates the impact of sharing in a safe place where no one is judged.”

— Trisha Meili, author, I Am the Central Park Jogger

“A heartfelt film!”

Director, Center for Latino Arts and Culture, Rutgers University

BUY / RENT

The TRUST Teaching Guide & Community Screening Kit is a comprehensive resource for educators, activists, community leaders and theater professionals to explore identity, immigration, trauma and resilience through the transformative power of art. The Guide gives teachers, educators, parents and community members the confidence and support to engage students to respond to complicated, challenging issues in their lives through a creative, artistic lens.

VIEWERS GUIDE (First 12 Pages) VIEWERS GUIDE (ESPAÑOL)

TRUST:
Second Acts in Young Lives

©2010 — 78/57 minutes

TRUST: Second Acts in Young Lives explores one of the art world’s little-known secrets: the positive influence that making theater has on the lives of immigrant teenagers.

TRUST follows Chicago’s neighborhood Albany Park Theater Project (APTP), which is dedicated to helping teenagers re-imagine their real life experiences into creative interpretations on stage. Marlín, an 18-year-old Hondureña, tells her story to the ensemble. Then she and her fellow young actors transform it into a daring, original play and invite family, friends, teachers and classmates to see it.

Awards

  • Youth Vision Award, United Nations Association Film Festival, Palo Alto, CA
  • Jury Award, Sebastopol Documentary Film Festival, Sebastopol, CA
  • Best Documentary Award, Reel Rasquache Art and Film Festival, Los Angeles

Key Credits

Writer, Director, Producer: Nancy Kelly
Editor, Producer: Kenji Yamamoto
Director of Photography, Consulting Producer: Dan Gold
Composer: Todd Boekelheide
Sound Mix: Phil Perkins
Graphic Design: Gary Jaeger

Primary Funders

  • John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation
  • The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation