"Juvenile: 5 Stories," a film directed by Joann Self Selvidge and Sarah Fleming, has been honored with the 2023 Distinguished Achievement Award by Evident Change even before its premiere at Indie Memphis 2023. This prestigious award recognizes works of media that provide profound insights into the challenges of our nation's social system and their impact on individuals and communities. The film delves into the true stories of five "justice-involved" individuals during their teenage years, coming from diverse backgrounds across different geographic locations. Through these personal narratives, a cohesive picture emerges, highlighting the broken promises within the American juvenile justice system. The project began as part of the National Juvenile Defender Center's Gault at 50 campaign, with a goal to shed light on the experiences of juvenile defendants in Shelby County and beyond, ultimately aiming to inspire transformational change in the juvenile justice system. The film prioritizes the voices of those who have experienced the system firsthand, emphasizing the need to learn from their experiences to prevent future harm to young people.

The film's intended audience includes those who are ready to take action and collaborate with young people to reform the juvenile justice system. Even individuals who may not see themselves as directly impacted are encouraged to engage, as their tax contributions indirectly sustain these systems. The filmmakers emphasize the importance of considering how electoral choices and funding decisions can either support or harm young people and their families affected by the system, making it a call to action for broader societal change.

https://www.memphisflyer.com/juvenile-five-stories

https://www.indiememphis.org/

https://www.juvenilefilm.com/