Private Project

Living Your Truth

Living Your Truth explores the generational tether of trauma that binds elders and youth through shared experiences with mental health. Guided by the wisdom of Momma JackieJ, Eleshia Simms-Harris and her community confront the stigma surrounding mental health, transforming candid conversations into a powerful visual journey. Through storytelling, solidarity, and activism, Living Your Truth challenges viewers to self-reflect, embrace open dialogue, and embark on their own healing journey.

  • Eleshia Simms-Harris
    Producer
    Assistant Director
  • Ricardo Bouyett
    Director
    Editor
  • Eleshia Simms-Harris
    Director
    AD
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short
  • Runtime:
    7 minutes 30 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    May 31, 2020
  • Country of Origin:
    United States, United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States, United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Ricardo Bouyett, Eleshia Simms-Harris

Eleshia (She/They) is a visionary filmmaker, a quiet storm of creativity wrapped in a bold aesthetic. A flamboyant introvert with an eye for the cinematic and a heart for the unseen, she crafts visuals that speak louder than words ever could. Rooted in storytelling that honors culture, identity, and the power of the gaze, their work moves seamlessly between the opulent and the raw, the historic and the futuristic.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Storytelling is my rebellion. It’s my act of resistance against the notion that artistry is a struggle rather than a profession of power and purpose. I create films that challenge, celebrate, and reconstruct the narratives that have shaped our collective identity, particularly in the realms of culture, fashion, and community. As a director, I am drawn to rich, textured worlds where every frame tells a layered story. Whether through dynamic cinematography, immersive set design, or intimate character studies, I aim to create films that feel lived-in and deeply felt. I believe in the power of visual storytelling to evoke emotion, provoke thought, and shift perspectives. My approach to directing is collaborative—I cultivate an environment where every artist involved feels empowered to bring their unique voice to the work.