Youth Film Project

The Youth Film Project is a series of four short films that explore key themes relevant to teens and young adults.

Driven by the creativity of youth participating in community-based programs supported by the Office of Sexual Health and Youth Development, the films were produced under the guidance of award-winning filmmaker Thato Mwosa. The selected themes include mental health, body image, family expectations, and gender identity.

These films will serve as educational tools for youth-serving agencies across the state. Accompanying each film is a discussion guide designed to facilitate questions and navigate potentially challenging conversations with youth. This guide acts as a starting point for facilitators, schools, community organizations, parents, and trusted adults, providing information on available support systems in Massachusetts and offering guidance on navigating the following topics:

• Something to Tell You (PDF)  l (DOCX):  A Resource Guide Supporting LGBTQIA+ and Gender Nonconforming/Gender Expansive Youth
• Desmond in Motions (PDF) l (DOCX): A Resource Guide Supporting Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing
• Don't Look Away (PDF) l (DOC): A Resource Guide Supporting Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing
• Temple (PDF) l (DOCX): A Resource Guide Promoting Self-Love and Body Neutrality

Something to Tell You

This short film follows Blue, a non-binary teen struggling to come out to their parents. Blue's father is a locally elected conservative official who, with the support of Blue's mother, is preparing to endorse an anti-LGBTQIA+ bill. With the help of their friend, they find the courage to tell their parents their pronouns and that they would like to be called Blue moving forward. This announcement shocked their parents; however, in the end, their parents decided not to vote for the bill.

This film was created in collaboration with youth from Girls Inc. of Lynn and local filmmaker, Thato Mwosa. Girls Inc. of Lynn delivers life-changing programs and experiences that equip girls to overcome serious barriers to grow up Strong, Smart, and Bold. Thato Mwosa is an award-winning illustrator, screenwriter, playwright, and filmmaker who works with local agencies to develop ​short films (5-8 min.) that elevate issues and topics that are important to young people. These films aim to support youth storytelling and to bring their stories to life on screen.

Film Discussion Resource Guide: Something to Tell You (PDF) l (DOCX)

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Desmond in Motions

This short film follows Desmond, a high school senior who awaits news from his first-choice university. Struggling to understand and accept an unexpected turn, Desmond navigates feelings of self-doubt, comparison, and uncertainty.

This film was created in collaboration with youth from Making Opportunity Count and local filmmaker, Thato Mwosa. Making Opportunity Count is a social services organization that empowers families to achieve economic security by eliminating barriers and creating opportunities. Thato Mwosa is an award-winning illustrator, screenwriter, playwright, and filmmaker who works with local agencies to develop ​short films (5-8 min.) that elevate issues and topics that are important to young people. These films aim to support youth storytelling and to bring their stories to life on screen.

Film Discussion Resource Guide: Desmond in Motions (PDF) l (DOCX)

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Don't Look Away

This short film follows Sheba, a high school student who is an aspiring artist. Sheba's mother and father are parents who value education and academic success. Sheba grapples with the delicate balance between honoring her parents' values and nurturing her own artistic aspirations.

This film was created in collaboration with youth from Lowell Community Health Center and local filmmaker, Thato Mwosa. Lowell Community Health Center's mission is to provide caring, quality, and culturally competent health services to the people of Greater Lowell, regardless of their financial status; to reduce health disparities and enhance the health of the Greater Lowell community; and to empower each individual to maximize their overall well-being. Thato Mwosa is an award-winning illustrator, screenwriter, playwright, and filmmaker who works with local agencies to develop ​short films (5-8 min.) that elevate issues and topics that are important to young people. These films aim to support youth storytelling and to bring their stories to life on screen.

Film Discussion Resource Guide: Don't Look Away (PDF) l (DOCX)

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Temple

This short film follows Valerie, a teen who is struggling with her body image. Val is dealing with bullying and unrealistic body standards both on and offline, which are magnified by unattainable body ideals. With the love and support of her sister, Val finds a newfound value in loving herself just the way she is!

This film was created in collaboration with youth from Girls Inc. of the Valley and local filmmaker, Thato Mwosa. Girls Inc. of the Valley empowers, educates, and guides young people forward, helping them navigate the challenges in their lives. Thato Mwosa is an award-winning illustrator, screenwriter, playwright, and filmmaker who works with local agencies to develop ​short films (5-8 min.) that elevate issues and topics that are important to young people. These films aim to support youth storytelling and to bring their stories to life on screen.

Film Discussion Resource Guide: Temple (PDF) l (DOCX)

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