WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
The world has you down. It feels like no matter what you’ve aimed to accomplish, it hasn’t worked out and now you find yourself at a crossroads, with no place to truly call a home other than the cold, hard concrete of Washington, D.C.’s “Tent City”, with only a makeshift “camp”, meager but still highly guarded possessions, and an actuality you manage to find the energy to wake up and face each day. That’s right. You’re now living on the streets. However, in the midst of what could be a soul-crushing level of self-defeat being experienced, a passion you have suddenly yields opportunity to rise up, make something of yourself and end up bringing about much needed exposure to the plight of the homeless not only in your community, but of those all around the planet. It all starts with the click of a button and the fortitude to say “YES, I can and YES, I WILL”. That’s just the beginning of photojournalist and formerly homeless Sheila White’s journey. And THIS is her story.
Next, my Mind:
Nothing has quite the impact on us, at least in this critic’s humble opinion, than the incontrovertible truths and personal testimonials that manifest from the direct experience that is real life. While we may enjoy the admittedly needed escapism of fictional realms and characters to aid us in FORGETTING the trials and troubles we witness daily in the news or online, it stands to reason however that we also DO need to be much more aware and concerned about the condition of our fellow man or woman and find the necessary compassion to be proactive in seeing solvable issues addressed constructively and measurably. It is understood that it might take the little victories, even a multitude of failures, to see change come about, but again, is it not worth it to pursue avenues of improvement and betterment when it comes to those less fortunate so that we might have the joy of seeing other’s lives transformed? Yes, it’s a monumental task when we are talking about homelessness, but I would still like to believe it IS achievable.
That forms the foundational basis and core beliefs expressed and displayed throughout this 27-minute Oscar qualifying documentary short film from director/producer Laura Waters Hinson, producer Bryan Bello, co-producer/cinematographer/DP Kasey Kirby, plus executive producers Hilla Medalia, John and Ed Priddy, and Nancy Schafer which I am hoping very much gets its chance to be brought to the masses on a grander scale in order to be an effective, persuasive reminder to us all about the actual tragedy of homelessness, those impacted by it, and the ability for more action to be taken to seek a resolution that will benefit EVERYONE, most especially them! This is also why the project carries affecting weight since its focus delivers us the story of one such individual who found a way out of her circumstances and is now making every possible effort to see the alteration in mindset about this issue.
Sheila White, 59, is a contributor to “The Street Sense”, a street newspaper in which she herself had done an article for and through which she then discovered her “voice”. Part of a worldwide network of street papers that reach an estimated 4.6 million readers in 35 countries, her love of photography ended up translating into chances to be a part of bringing imagery of and interviews with homeless individuals in Washington, D.C., sharing their stories and allowing these people to shine, taking them well beyond just the situations they’re in, actually SEEING them as we ALL should be–human. With her own story fraught with tales of foster facilities, the perils of shelters vs. living on the street, and just how tough one has to be TO survive that way, it’s quite the eye-opening, deeply sobering adventure to take in, ponder, and assess how we can help. And this is the notion Sheila stresses so greatly–the writing and reporting is good, but ACTION and ACTIVISM is required from those who AREN’T homeless to see essential results form and take hold. But, as always, sadly, seems the case when it comes to those movements and measures to see positive transfiguration happen–easier said than done. But, White persists with stalwart determination and heart.
As with any well-executed documentary feature, long or short, that finds its focus on a specific hotbed topic, it’s always the people involved in interviews that bring it all together, breathing life into the plausibility of what we’re viewing, and getting the insights to better comprehend and, hopefully, support the efforts being made towards resolution. This is certainly the case here, as primarily we are hearing the most stirring perspective from White herself, again as she shares about her own fight with homelessness and how she was able to get out of it and be a larger voice to see it addressed through her skills. We see Eric Falquero, who is the head editor for “Street Sense” as he directs and asks his staff about how and what they are willing to cover to get the message out in the most professional and expressive manner. Reginald Black serves as the main interviewer who conducts sessions with the homeless on the streets for the publication, asking relevant questions while ensuring the individuals are confident in sharing their condition with the paper.
But, I must say that perhaps the most surprising and touching story we’re privy to here is that of homeless man Mike Harris, a long-standing resident of Tent City and a former high-end carpenter. All I can say is that hearing his point of view while witnessing a completely intelligent, capable, down-to-earth man hit me quite hard, as it does reveal how even those who HAD lives, work, and a more stable existence can fall on the hard situations that end up taking everything from them to the point of having to now reside under a bridge, in a tent, with no idea of how the next day might even go, grasping onto whatever items they still have that carry significance to them. It simply put that human face to the film’s intended objectives, and once it was shared that “Tent City” was part of a clean-up project the city chose to do, which effectively evicted all the residents of Tent City, it strikes you harder when it isn’t known what happened to Mike after that. It was a reality check, and one of the film’s most pivotal aspects, again, in my opinion.
Based on when the film was shot, a year later, Sheila’s life continued to improve, including an experience most of us take totally for granted, and she keeps excelling, pursuing further education in her field of choice and having the chance to say she’s actively doing what she wants to. So, in total, “Street Reporter” does have a somewhat happy ending, but still does a fantastic job in its short runtime to make it a point to emphasize the importance of paying heed to the homeless crisis and at least trying to support causes to see it ended. Because while it might be accurate to say we’ve “heard about it all before” and hence allow indifference to creep in, let’s actually pray being compassionately aware and doing good NEVER grows old and outdated, because if that occurs, is that REALLY the world we want to live in?
Over 20,000 homeless earn income and learn media skills through street newspapers. Want to learn more? Check it out at STREET REPORTER (streetreporterfilm.com)
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
