Using Film to Address Teen Dating Violence

Storytelling is the most powerful way to put ideas into the world today. -Robert McKee

And film is a great way to share a story!  When working with teens we can use films to help raise awareness, share information, and start conversations.  Using films made by and for teens is a good way to develop rapport and raise and honor the voices of youth. Here is a collection of resources that do just that!

Online Resources

• Scenarios USA
  A "nonprofit organization that that uses writing and filmmaking to foster youth leadership, advocacy and self-expression in underserved teens."

• Reel Grrls
  On this site you will find a collection of short films that address relationships, sexuality, and communication.  Each film also includes a lesson plan. This organization "empowers young women from diverse communities to realize their power, talent and influence through media production." The Reel Grrls YouTube Channel has a collection of works, all available for free.

In Our Lending Library

Straightlaced (DVD)
Meet 50 incredibly diverse students who take us on a powerful, intimate journey to see how popular pressures around gender and sexuality are shaping the lives of today's American teens.  An uplifting and surprisingly funny film that accessibly demonstrates how gender-based expectations are deeply intertwined with homophobia, and are also impacted by race, ethnicity, and class (from DVD jacket). Place Reservation

	Girls- Moving Beyond Myth (DVD) This compelling new documentary focuses on the sexual dilemmas and difficult life choices young girls face as they come of age in contemporary American culture. Challenging long-held myths about girlhood, the film draws on the insights of girls themselves to explore and shed light on their actual lived experience as they navigate our increasingly hyper-sexualized society (from DVD jacket). Watch Trailer Place Reservation
	Downtowners (DVD) Downtowners shares the voices of young people who are homeless in Olympia, WA, as they explore issues such as sexual violence, public space, gender roles, street culture, and community perceptions. These voices inspire a connection and understanding seldom experienced by those who lack direct experience with the streets (from Downtowners web site). Place Reservation
	Let's Talk About It | Teens Speak About Unhealthy Relationships "Created by Alaska native teens in their Teens Acting Against Violence (TAAV) program this video/DVD addresses teen dating violence and shows ways to help develop positive relationships." Place Reservation