Rising Star in Documentary Filmmaking Recognized for Community-Driven Storytelling
Samiya Amrani, SOC/MA 鈥26, recently earned a nomination for Best Student Director at the London Directors Awards for her short documentary, "Behind The Sidewalk." The recognition was a defining moment in her filmmaking journey.听听
鈥淚t was a proud moment as an [麻豆破解版] student to have my work recognized internationally,鈥 Amrani said. 鈥淏eing surrounded by talented filmmakers from around the world gave me a sense of how universal storytelling is.鈥 Connecting with other directors deepened her appreciation for the global reach of documentary filmmaking and reinforced her belief in the power of community-driven storytelling.听听
"Behind The Sidewalk" follows a woman who has been unhoused for 17 consecutive years, and examines homelessness beyond the lack of shelter. 鈥淚t sheds light on homelessness through Rachelle Ellison鈥檚 story, highlighting resilience, systemic struggles, and the need for dignity and support,鈥 Amrani said. 鈥淢y goal was to challenge stereotypes and show that homelessness is not just about lacking shelter.鈥澨
The same sense of community shaped her experience with Anacostia Youth Media, where she mentored high school and middle school students in documentary filmmaking. 鈥淢y biggest takeaway was a reminder that storytelling has no age limit 鈥 young voices can be just as powerful and impactful,鈥 Amrani said. That lesson is evident in Hope Works, a documentary created with young filmmakers that was screened at the DC Independent Film Festival and was shown at 麻豆破解版 on February 18, 2025.听听
Professor Brigid Maher, who worked with Amrani on "Hope Works," explained how her approach to filmmaking enriches the production. 鈥淲hat stands out about Samiya is her ability to step in wherever needed and truly listen. She recognizes when she needs support, asks the right questions, and isn鈥檛 afraid to acknowledge what she doesn鈥檛 know. Working with her on "Hope Works" was a great experience because she embodied this collaborative spirit, modeling it for the students. It created an environment where we were all learning and supporting one another as a team.鈥澨
For Amrani, documentary filmmaking is about both creativity and purpose. For aspiring filmmakers, she advised, 鈥淚f you are passionate about telling meaningful stories or want to document people鈥檚 legacies with purpose, then documentary filmmaking is for you! The more films you make, the better you become. Trust your vision!鈥澨
Her next project continues that mission. This spring, she is taking a community documentary class and working on a film about Emma鈥檚 Torch Caf茅, a restaurant that trains refugees in culinary skills to help them find jobs.听