In a world where youth feel powerless against injustice, nine youth embark on a transformative journey to become the changemakers for a more just society.
"Critical What?!" is a compelling 70-minute documentary that follows nine youth ages 10 to 15, as they embark on a transformative journey to reclaim their power and voice in a world that feels increasingly hopeless. Sparked by a conversation with a local county councilmember, where youth express their growing disillusionment—“things are getting worse and worse in the world and I’m powerless to change it”—this film showcases how these youth find strength through the art of documentary filmmaking.
At the heart of their journey is the national debate over protecting youth from learning about institutional injustice. That debate was ignited by the conservative in Washington State who lashed out against “Critical Race Theory.” That led to the subsequent passage of laws in eighteen states banning such discussions. These laws claim to “protect” youth from divisive topics, but the youth in this film reject the idea of protection, knowing first hand the pain of injustice. They turn their cameras toward issues like homelessness, unequal access to technology, gender inequality, the divisiveness between public and private schools, and book banning, capturing these vital stories in their own voices.
As the political climate grew more polarized, the filmmakers faced pressure to protect the youth and their families from potential backlash. Two youths, feeling vulnerable, dropped out of the project. Family problems affected another but she worked through it. All the youth thought it was too hard and the issues too complicated. Yet, nine persevered, and their work culminated in a standing ovation at their final screening.
They demonstrated that the issues they were addressing weren’t something to shield them from—but something they were ready to face head-on. They were powerful storytellers full of hope and ready to become the changemakers their communities need.
Patricia is a writer and documentary filmmaker originally from "The Projects" in Queens, New York and for 35 years thrives in Seattle, Washington. She collaborates with all flavors of creatives to tell transformative true stories that have demonstrated marketability. She is known for her ability to pull resources out of hat and host standing-room only potlucks for her community of writers, actors, filmmakers and their audiences in the Seattle area.
