Synopsis:
Can She Be Saved? is a 30 minute documentary film directed by sociologist, best selling author and youth activist, Yasmin Shiraz. The film features 8th grade girls from Syracuse, NY who’ve been labeled aggressive by their teachers and guidance counselors. “This film gives girls who fight the opportunity to speak up and talk about their anger and their propensity toward violence,” said Shiraz. Can She Be Saved? documents real girl fights throughout the US and shows how this recent phenomenon has become entrenched in American culture through songs, music videos and films.
Still Eye Rise Films follows Shiraz as she visits with Arielle, Perfection, Maricka, Whitney, Shakora and Ladasia– girls who have a history of fighting, being disruptive and getting suspended. They share their personal opinions and experiences in a refreshing and eye-opening manner.
Can She Be Saved? aims to elevate the voices of teen girls who fight and the reasons behind their violence as well as explain how girl violence impacts academic excellence, self esteem and a girl’s overall future. Can She Be Saved? addresses the statistics and media popularity of “girl fights,” and what school counselors know about girl fighting. In interviewing the youth and talking with them in group sessions, Shiraz sets out to discover if these girls can be saved from a life of violence and aggression.
Can She Be Saved? has earned 3 film awards including the 2010 Best First Film Award at the International Youth Film Festival, the 2010 Best Documentary Award at the NC Black Film Festival and a 2009 Award of Merit in the Short Documentary Category at the 2009 Indie Festival. In addition, Can She Be Saved? was officially selected in 15 Film Festivals including: 2010 Women’s International Film Festival, 2010 Urban Mediamakers Film Festival, 2010 Women’s Short Film and Video Showcase, The San Diego Black Film Festival among others.
