She Said: Art As Activism

The documentary, She Said: Art as Activism features inspiring women of color who are performance artists in the city of Philadelphia. It contains interviews with Philadelphia legends, homegrown artists, and Philly migrant artists. Whether they are poets, dancers, musicians, or visual artists, this documentary examines the effect of their work on themselves and others. This documentary aims to answer our questions, How have women of color used performance art to heal, connect, express, and fight injustice? And why has art been a tool of choice to work towards social change?

  • Malaya Ulan
    Director
  • Malaya Ulan
    Writer
  • Scribe Video Center
    Producer
  • Anito Gavino
    Producer
  • Anito Gavino
    Key Cast
  • Donna Grace
    Key Cast
  • Ursula Rucker
    Key Cast
  • Elaine Smith Holton
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short, Student
  • Runtime:
    13 minutes 33 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    December 9, 2022
  • Production Budget:
    2,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Science Leadership Academy at Beeber
  • Documentary History Project for Youth
    Philadelphia
    United States
    December 11, 2022
    ICA
    Gary Smalls Award
Director Biography - Malaya Ulan

Malaya Ulan (Freedom Rain) is a fourteen-year-old Filipinx-American artist. Malaya Ulan utilizes art mediums such as poetry, dance, film, and visual art to share and empower her voice. She has participated in WHYY programs, received awards from Mighty Writers, and won the Gary Smalls award for her Scribe Documentary History Project for Youth final project, She Said: Art as Activism. Malaya Ulan also recently won the Philadelphia Gold Key award for the Scholastic Art and Writing competition and will be heading to nationals. Ulan has performed in spaces such as The Bronx Academy of Arts and Dance, Movement Research at Judson Dance Theatre, Barnes Foundation, Painted Bride, Anakbayan (Filipino youth activist group) protests, Asian Arts Initiative, Philadelphia Fringe Festival, Outlet Dance Festival, Swarthmore University, Multicultural Education in Counseling Through the Arts (MECA), Late Night Snacks, and a dance concert at Festive Walk (Philippines). She performs with her mother, Anito Gavino, in a dance company, Ani/MalayaWorks Dance. Malaya Ulan also has co-produced a collection of poetry and writings, De-Scribing, with her mother. She recently has just released her collection of solo poetry, visual art, and essays titled, Ulan- When My Tears Turn Into Roses.

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Director Statement

I believe that art will guide our young generation into a future of activism and expression... Art is both a responsibility and a path to liberation.