Hope Works

Hope Works (2024) is a 19-minute documentary that takes viewers on an inspiring journey through the eyes of a group of of emerging young filmmakers in Washington, D.C., trained by American University students. These filmmakers document the transformative impact of the Run Hope Work (RHW) program on their peers. Over four months, they learn filmmaking while capturing the personal growth and challenges of RHW participants.

The project began in October 2023 at Covenant House, where the filmmakers, guided by American University mentors, followed RHW’s training program, including union training, meditation, and skill-building workshops. This collaborative project allowed the youth filmmakers to gain hands-on experience while contributing their voices to the story.

In Hope Works (2024) the filmmakers document a powerful message: no matter the obstacles, hope always works.

Under the banner of the Anacostia Youth Media Festival, Hope Works (2024) was made possible through a partnership between Run Hope Work, students in the Film and Media Arts Division in the School of Communication at American University, Covenant House, and the Humanities Truck of American University. The production team was a mix of student filmmakers and youth participants, creating a dynamic learning environment where skills were shared and developed. Professor Brigid Maher, founder of the Anacostia Youth Media initiative, led the project, guiding a team of graduate students, undergraduates, and alumni who mentored the young filmmakers throughout the process. Their efforts were supported by a grant from the American University Humanities Truck, which further emphasized the importance of community collaboration in bringing stories of hope and transformation to life.