Short film celebrates the powerful connection between generations of activists
It's crucial to value and learn from the work of older activists, especially as the resistance builds and strengthens during the Trump era.
A moving new short film called Together We Risecelebrates the importance of intergenerational activism, and recognizes the trailblazers of decades past. In less than two minutes, the largely silent film illustrates how connections between older and younger activists are necessary in order to sustain a movement.
SEE ALSO:6 ways to push your online activism into the real world in the Trump eraDirected by visual artist and producer Francesca Beltran, Together We Rise was first screened on Jan. 21 at the Women's March on Washington, which commissioned the film. The video, however, was only just released online by the march's organizers.
When Beltran was first approached to direct the film, she was in Mexico City visiting her 91-year-old grandmother. During the visit, she asked her grandmother about her past, hoping to learn more about her roots and origins.
"Listening to her gave me perspective and reminded me of the importance of honoring the road [she and my mother] had to travel to grant me the freedom I enjoy now," she said. "I don't ever want to take those things for granted — and I think this was a big inspiration for the film."
Beltran collaborated with writer Laurie Thomas to bring this real-life inspiration to Together We Rise.
The short film opens with a now iconic quote from Hillary Clinton's concession speech, which is the only voice heard in the video. "Never stop believing that fighting for what's right is worth it," she declares with confidence, her voice playing over an old-school radio.
"If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor."
Inspired by her words, an aging woman rummages through her closet, plucking out a worn suitcase filled with newspaper clippings and posters. They're relics from her days as an activist, which she pores over proudly.
Her granddaughter, at first uninterested and fixated by her smartphone, later sees a photo of her grandmother as a young woman holding a particularly relevant sign: "If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor."
The sweet scene ends with the young girl leaving the house, wearing her grandmother's vintage jacket adorned with activist buttons. Through the window, the two raise their fists as a sign of resistance and connection.
Via GiphyThough the short film is a beautiful reminder of the lineage of activism, it also acknowledges the discouraging fact that marginalized communities have been fighting for the same rights for generations. Many of the items the grandmother reminisces over reflect similar battles today, from a "Keep Abortion Legal" pin to a flyer for an Indigenous rights rally.
"For me the film is a reminder that you’re never too young or too old to care, to do something, to have an impact."
Nevertheless, Together We Risehighlights something all activists should keep in mind: Progress is often slow, and activism can feel like thankless work. But building on and valuing the work of previous generations is how we show appreciation — and how we create true change.
"For me the film is a reminder that you’re never too young or too old to care, to do something, to have an impact," Beltran said. "Younger generations often take for granted the things their parents and grandparents had to fight for, but eventually it's important to look back and appreciate."
Beltran feels this recognition is particularly important today, especially when it feels like these liberties are at risk.
"I can only hope," she said, "that the film reminds viewers that no matter age, race, gender, religion; if you care, you take action."
This post was updated to include comment from Beltran.
Featured Video For You
Inauguration crowds are looking puny compared to Women's March crowds
TopicsActivismSocial Good