Drowning In Silence

Directed By Chezik Tsunoda

A mother goes on a healing journey to investigate the silent epidemic of childhood drowning after losing her son.

  • ABOUT
  • BIO
Drowning In Silence is an intimate and brave directorial debut from Chezik Tsunoda, documenting her quest for answers and personal journey of healing in the midst of the tragedy. After Chezik’s three-year-old son Yori drowns, she is confronted with the silent epidemic of childhood drowning. She investigates why there is so little information about the number one cause of death is children under four. Through her investigation, she meets and follows families that have experienced similar devastation from childhood drowning. As Chezik bonds with other parents fighting for change, we see her film is just as much about seeking solace as it is finding solutions. The documentary delves into the history of childhood drowning and the lack of access black and brown children have to swimming and swim lessons, as they are five times more likely to drown than white children. We explore how this disparity can be traced all the way back to slavery and continued through Jim Crow, which has present day impact. From pediatricians to advocates for local and federal water safety, the discussion considers what we can do to shift the pendulum and fight against childhood drowning and create more racial equity in water safety. This raw depiction of loss, perseverance, and community shows how pain can be turned into purpose and truly effect change.

Chezik Tsunoda is a passionate director and producer whose impactful work spans television, film, and advertising. She began her career at BET and MTV News and Docs, where she sharpened her production skills and developed a keen understanding of storytelling. As a Development Producer at VH1, Chezik further honed her craft before transitioning to Digital Kitchen, where she gained valuable insights into the commercial and advertising landscape. Ultimately, she returned to her true passion—documentary filmmaking.


Chezik’s work often confronts challenging social themes through a unique and powerful lens, offering audiences rare perspectives that resonate deeply. Her acclaimed documentary “Drowning in Silence” garnered both awards and international recognition, solidifying her reputation as a storyteller committed to shedding light on critical issues. As the founder of Visually Inspired Productions, Chezik is dedicated to creating award-winning content that not only highlights underrepresented voices but also sparks meaningful conversations. She believes in the transformative power of storytelling and remains impassioned about fostering a richer, more inclusive media landscape.