About this season
Films BYkids pairs teenagers from diverse cultures with accomplished filmmakers to create short personal documentaries that encourage understanding about universal issues and help foster empathy and global citizenry. Ashley Judd serves as series narrator, introducing each 30-minute film. The series is a collaboration between THIRTEEN and the non-profit, BYkids.
Episodes (4)
1. Against the Current
Aired 6 April 2021
17-year-old Daunnette Moniz-Reyome, who lives on the Umoⁿhoⁿ Reservation in Nebraska, interviews Native American youth and elders against the backdrop of a ceremonial powwow. Mentored by filmmaker Evan Mascagni, Moniz-Reyome shares her family’s journey to retain sacred rituals and culture traditions and the ways in which her community is healing historical trauma with strength and dignity.
2. L'Chaim
Aired 13 April 2021
19-year-old Semon Shabaev is part of a vibrant Jewish community in Germany. Despite his country’s dark history of genocide and a rise in antisemitism, he embraces his German-Jewish identity. Mentored by filmmaker Anja Baron, Shabaev shines light on how Germany is addressing its past, and how his generation looks to the future.
3. Faith's World
Aired 20 April 2021
16-year-old Faith Guilbault from Baltimore, Maryland, who is visually impaired and has cerebral palsy, is resilient, adventurous and determined to realize her dreams. Mentored by filmmaker Joyce Chopra, Faith shines light on her world, inviting viewers to focus on the similarities rather than differences between people living with and without a disability.
4. Buddhism, Bhutan and Me
Aired 27 April 2021
18-year-old Rinzin Jurmey from Bhutan became a monk when he was 11 years old. He travels between his monastery, village and the city, meeting with hip-hop dancers, video gamers, and sports fans to understand the intersection of tradition and pop culture. Guided by filmmaker Cat Papadimitriou, Jurmey explores how he—and his country—are preserving ancient practices while embracing globalization.