THE VIDEOS

All video clips are currently housed on the Oakland Unified School District's Urban Dreams site and will appear in a new browser window. They require Quicktime and are best viewed by those with a DSL connection or higher. If you have a modem connection, expect download times of 6 - 7 minutes. Descriptions of the projects were written by the student filmmakers while developing the concepts for their video projects.

You Free? || 8 min 25 sec -> GO!

Filmmaker/Mentor: Jillian O’Connor
Urban Dreams Classroom Teacher: Sherdren Burnside, English ••• Castlemont High School Student Filmmakers: Martha Alejandre, Fabiola Flores, Monserrath Flores, Precious Jones, Sha-Lin Wright

America is the known as, “the land of the free.” People from all around the world migrate to this country in search of freedom, a better life and financial stability. Unfortunately, many immigrants arrive finding little opportunity and a stressful lifestyle. This may lead them to question the meaning of freedom.

This video gets people talking and exploring their own ideas and definitions of freedom. What does freedom mean to you? Are you free?

Unfinished Business || 8 min 11 sec -> GO!

Filmmaker/Mentor: Cedric Pounds
Urban Dreams Classroom Teacher: Momo Chang, English & Multicultural Education ooo Oakland Technical High School ••• Student Filmmakers: Mimi Liao, Alex Pelayo, Vanessa Puschendorf, Daniel Telles, Al Wilright

Too many students at Oakland Technical High School are being under served. The school is understaffed, under funded and overcrowded. The facilities are in need of major renovation with the exception of the new football field.

The video acknowledges the on-going problems at Oakland Tech with a look toward inspiring positive action. It sends a message that the problems are considerable but solvable. Additionally, the video fosters a deeper understanding of the perspectives of the various groups involved.

Through My Eyes || 8 min 2 sec -> GO!

Filmmaker/Mentor: Rick Jaffe
Classroom Teacher: Savannah Shange-Binion, English ••• MetWest High School Student Filmmakers: Jamiylah Asaad, Claire Starks, Elicha Green, Angela Jones

High school youth, especially youth of color, are often unfairly labeled as “troublemakers,” and they are discriminated against. Stores limit how many may enter; security guards follow them while they shop. Instead of funding educational programs and providing opportunities for youth, adults create repressive rules and laws that often limit opportunities.

High school youth are not always “doing bad,” and it is hurtful when they experience unwarranted suspicion. Three students express their thoughts and show us why adults should not feel comfortable making assumptions about teenagers.

Truth News || 8 min 34 sec -> GO!

Filmmaker/Mentor: Kenya Davis
Urban Dreams Classroom Teacher: Denise J. Burroughs, English ••• Merritt Middle College High School Student Filmmakers: Keziah Buggs, Michael Cherry, Auvenny Dorrough, Eboni Johnson, Sol Phua, Tarissa Waldemar

Students are concerned about the disparity between school facilities in urban public school districts and facilities in suburban public school districts. Inadequate supplies, unsafe gymnasiums, auditoriums and cafeterias have many students upset about the lack of equality and social justice in public education.

Truth News raises awareness and offers solutions to help make a change for the better in urban public school facilities.