BEING ME (working title)
Producer/Director: Jacki Ochs

It has been documented that girls experience a decline in self-esteem and academic performance during adolescence regardless of racial, ethnic and class background. Yet the pre-adolescent years are the "can do" years for these same girls.

Being Me explores the issues, passions and changes that confront preteen girls by documenting an after school program in NYC called The Girls Project. Girls ages 10–12 explore issues like teasing/bullying, body image, and stereotypes, finding their voices with the help of artists and activists. Combined with excerpts from girls' diaries, and the girls' own video work, their struggle for empowerment is revealed.

Footage: (RealVideo required)