If I Ran the City.
Obstacles into advocacy.
If I Ran the City is a documentary film project featuring teenagers from Pittsfield who have been impacted by community violence. Cast members are invited to reflect on social issues that impacted them growing up, and to advocate for changes they would make if they were in charge. \
The cast explores root causes of community violence, how young people fall into the streets, justice-involvement, and a way forward.
Teenagers explore public health disparities through a series of one-on-one conversations, group discussions and arts workshops. Students will then sit for a full-length interview, which will be edited into a documentary film. Featuring original music by local young people.
This program invites Pittsfield teenagers to lead the way forward in civic engagement; to reflect on their own experiences and transform obstacles into advocacy.
Dialogue with local stakeholders.
If I Ran the City will be screened for Pittsfield’s Mayor, City Council, and local stakeholders. Screenings will be followed by a talk-back, facilitating vital public dialogue—with the voices of young people leading the conversation.
The screening and talk-back will provide an opportunity for dialogue between Pittsfield teenagers who have been impacted by community violence, and local stakeholders who have the power to do something about it.
We aim to tell a more complete story of the root causes of community violence, to facilitate dialogue between those with lived experience and those in positions of power, and to work together to find a way forward.
If I Ran the City aims to facilitate dialogue between two demographics that don’t often speak to one another: Pittsfield teenagers, and those who run the city.
Thanks to Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation’s Arts Build Community Initiative for making this project possible!
