About
All of the Above, follows the transformative journey of high school students from different faith backgrounds who come together for a World Religions class. The film spends significant time in the classroom, capturing the intimate dynamics of these students as they engage in deep, challenging conversations about religion and culture. As a fly on the wall, our small team documented the profound shift that occurred as these young people confronted preconceived notions and learned to view the world through the eyes of others.
The students—many of whom come from suburban, homogenous communities—begin by grappling with misunderstanding and apprehension, but over time, they develop a deeper empathy for their peers' beliefs and practices. This process of self-reflection and cross-cultural understanding extends beyond the classroom, as the students forge bonds that challenge their assumptions about each other and the world around them. All of the Above isn’t just a film about a class—it’s about the power of education to inspire change and foster a more compassionate society.
Production Timeline
Research & Development: May 2018 - August 2019
Production: August 2019 - June 2020 (school year)
Post-Production: July 2020 - December 2024
Release: 2025
GRANTS/FELLOWSHIP
CENTER FOR ASIAN AMERICAN MEDIA FELLOWSHIP 2024
ILLINOIS ARTS COUNCIL INDIVIDUAL ARTIST SUPPORT 2023
ILLINOIS HUMANITIES ACTION GRANT 2022
SUNDANCE HUMANITIES SUSTAINABILITY FELLOWSHIP - SEMI FINALIST 2022
ILLINOIS ARTS COUNCIL INDIVIDUAL ARTIST SUPPORT 2021
MOUNTAINFILM EMERGING FILMMAKER - FINALIST 2022
DEPARTMENT OF CHICAGO CULTURAL AFFAIRS 2020
KARTEMQUIN EMERGING STORYTELLER’S FUND 2019
ILLINOIS ARTS COUNCIL INDIVIDUAL ARTIST SUPPORT 2019
DEPARTMENT OF CHICAGO CULTURAL AFFAIRS 2019