My little grain of sand. Maria Martin discusses the reality of journalism and activism in Guatemala.

“Everyday, journalists put their lives on the line to tell the truth.” The legacy of Guatemala’s 36 year civil war is still palpable where journalists, citizen media and individual activists are vulnerable to retribution for their courage to expose government corruption. Student filmmakers Walt Schoen and Daniel Novikov interview a former soldier, media professionals and a deported asylum-seeker from the U.S who provide their perspective on the freedom of expression in Guatemala.

Would you kill a chicken in order to prepare your grandmother’s traditional recipe? Student Filmmaker Osric Holt uses “Verite” cinema style to document the process of making an unforgettable meal.

Student filmmakers Alex Poe and Joy Ho capture the diverse voices of teachers, women weavers, street vendors and students who articulate their vision for keeping traditional values, while expanding opportunities through education.

“My wish for my children is that they have the opportunity to study, which I didn’t have.” What are unique challenges girls face in Guatemala? In a society which has the widest gender wage gap in the western hemisphere, Guatemalan women express support for one another to pursue more educational options for their children.

Barrista by night, Coffee Farmer by the Day. Coffee production cooperatives inspire the younger generation to see the opportunities in Farm to Cup business models. Learning the language, chemistry and nuance of coffee culture allows young people to retain pride of their family farm heritage, while pursuing higher education.

Want to experience the magical Mayan mountains? Guatemala Student Digital Storytelling program highlights the incredible learning adventure of documentary filmmaking in the Guatemala highlands. Explore colonial Antigua, beautiful Lake Atitlan, women’s weaving cooperatives, sustainable coffee farms, inspirational war survivors, volcano hikes and extraordinary chocolate.

Two teens bring a message of encouragement from a Mexican grandmother, whose education stopped after 6th grade, to Mayan girls in Guatemala, who have committed to transforming their lives through education.

In the summer of 2016, a group of Los Angeles teens traveled to Guatemala to create digital storytelling projects in photography and video. This film shows the photographic works of Derek Blumenfield, Jay Lassiter, Milo Hensley, Elena Montoya, and Sarah Traenkle.

A U.S. teen travels to Guatemala to learn about its music and finds that it has deep roots in the revolutionary struggle as well as a vision for the country’s future. Written, directed and edited by Mia Nelson.

A teen travels to Guatemala to meet some Mayan “girl pioneers” who are transforming themselves and their country. Written, directed and edited by Jonah Cho.

A teen travels to Guatemala to meet members of a coffee farming cooperative and with them tastes her very first cup of coffee. Written, directed and edited by Angel Hoyang.

A brother and sister travel to Guatemala to tell an uplifting story about the hopes and dreams of a Mayan girl who is transforming her life through education. Written, directed and edited by Dylan and Esther Ollivier. Music by Esther Ollivier.