Sonia Arora

Using first-person narrative and oral history interviews, Sonia will create a short film about youth who have decided to pursue home-schooling. The film will feature Philadelphia youth, their families, and mentors, and will explore their lives and education. By telling theses stories, Sonia hopes to change the lives of other youth for whom the traditional classroom does not work: some who are intimidated by violence because of their race or sexual orientation, others who have special needs, and yet others who dislike regimentation. Sonia wants to show how discovery, investigation, and creativity are possible outside the confines of school. She will also offer a workshop to engage young people in storytelling, oral history, and filmmaking.