Short Takes on Health and Justice Documentary

The Short Takes on Health and Justice, were five mini documentaries combined into one. Each documentary covered a particular matter, but all pertaining to public health. All of the stories were very personal, not only with the people being documented, but the directors. The first documentary Silent Exposure was based on the director, Christopher Nostrand’s father. Christopher’s father was a former Marine who served in the Vietnam War. During his time there, he was exposed to Agent Orange which contains dioxin carbon. Years later he passed away, his family never received compensation or was he part of the Vietnam War memorial.  This film documents a touching journey as him and his family look for answers.  The second documentary I Speak Birth, by Diana Quinones documents experiences mothers had during labor. Health professionals such as OBGYN, doulas and midwifes discuss child labor during the past and present. They discuss how the hospitals can improve on the birthing process for mothers.The third documentary Stigma Continues, by Bryan Mark Urbasitis, and Liz Clarey documents individuals and their experience being HIV positive. They discuss the stigma that comes with having HIV and how they are coping with it.  They are trying to educate and spread awareness. The director is also HIV positive, so this made the documentary more personal for himself. The fourth documentary Rockaway After Sandy, by Karen Binger, Jing Wang, Claudia Zamora, documents victims of hurricane Sandy. Victims have either lost their homes or are living in their homes which are not in the best conditions. A lot of victims are not receiving the help they should, so they are taking matters into their own hands. The film discusses actions the government, community, and volunteers are doing to restore Rockaway. The last document Our Space, Our Food, Our Bed-Stuy, Samantha Riddel, Makia Harper, Uki Lau, and Phung Tra-Khamphoungvong, is about the accessibility and cost of eating healthy in Bedford Stuyvesant. Residents, shop owners, and gardeners discuss their concern with providing healthy, affordable options for the community. They are trying to provide healthier options at their stores as well as building a community garden. All of the directors created their documentaries which talk about issues and solutions that advocates are doing to improve public health. Another similarity is the lack of resources available, and how it brings everyone together. The interviewees  are interviewed alone, shots are medium close ups. This makes it more personal and gives insight to their own personal issues.  All of the documentaries cover health issues that are not being addressed properly and are trying to get justice.