The second documentary created by the SEEDS of ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Docu-Series Fellows was screened on campus on Tuesday, March 13, showcasing the lives of the members of Las Monarcas a social action group in ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ for 55+ women. This documentary was created in collaboration with Dr. Bianca N, Haro – Assistant Professor of Sociology, – a social action nonprofit organization in ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½, and 5 student filmmakers. The groups worked together to showcase the work Las Monarcas has done in “,” as well as the importance of a group such as this.
Dr. Haro has previously collaborated with the Gente Organizada and has joined hands with the organization for the SEEDS of ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Docu-Series to work with local youths to develop skills and bring awareness to local stories. Dr. Haro explains how “This was an opportunity to be more creative with my research and work with young people, which is always amazing.” This project has allowed students to develop critical thinking, filmmaking, and research skills while learning more about ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½. Dr. Haro shared, “This opportunity has reminded me that there are other ways to convey research that are more creative and not articles, and that research that informs the community beyond people who have access to higher education is important… We also learn when we have conversations with people who are not writing books, who don't have access to spaces like this,” she further expresses the importance of accessible research and creating awareness to what is happening in a community and its past.
While talking with Dr. Haro, she shared how much of an impact a project like this has on both the people watching and those involved with its production. “In most of those conversations that we had with them, there was a moment of grief, and there was a moment of emotion when talking about their journeys, their life, their wisdom and I think for young people to be part of that space, and even for me, it was really moving. It was a great reminder that a degree doesn't necessarily mean or equate to intellectual knowledge or wisdom.” She explains that even though the SEEDS of ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Docu-Series Fellows was created to help teach skills to local youth, she was also learning from them. Seeing how the students took charge for this second Docu-film showed the importance of projects like this and how finding and sharing these stories can make a difference.
The film provides testimonies from members of the group, why the group was created, and the change they hope to make. Following Graciela Conchas – local activist, ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ resident, and community organizer – we learn more about how the activist group has helped bring residents together and are working towards investing in a better ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½.
Las Monarcas meets at the Gente community garden where they share stories, hold group discussions, and focus on community activism. Women in the group express how it is a place where they are allowed to exist, be active, share experiences, and build friendships. Members of Las Monarcas relate to its name because of how they have gone through many experiences to become who they are today; they have changed over time like a butterfly.
Graciela Conchas (pictured to the left) believes that together we need to listen to our elders, their past stories and lived experiences. With Las Monarcas, elder women are given the opportunity to have a conversation, share their experiences and support each other. Graciela explains how when she started, she was just focusing on helping facilitate the group but at some point, she became one of them.
The documentary features some of the Las Monarcas meetings, city council prep, protests, and a market. These events both help the community, and group members develop. Members express that it is through their activities with the group that they can celebrate their “otherness” as immigrants, women, and activists by seeing and celebrating it in other members. They can talk about experiences that they may normally brush aside, helping them see their similarities and shared experiences.
The documentary shows some of the work the group is doing to push for rent stabilization, as they asked the city council for a 4% control cap on rent prices as well as other necessary needs for the city. Las Monarcas shows how you can do something, even if it is not in the way that people perceive activism. With people showing up to protests, bringing food, or making noise there are a lot of things that can be done to make changes. What is important is showing up in some way. So, we invite you to check out “.”