A remarkable first effort at documentary film-making, inspired by the mixture of passions for social justice, story-telling, and picture-taking that promises great films to come.
When I saw The Sunrise Storyteller for the first time, I could NOT believe that this beautiful film was done by a first time filmmaker, let alone a young student!! The quality and caliber of the physical film itself is amazing. The cinematography is first rate. The photographs used are spectacular. The level of professionalism would put many adult filmmakers to shame! Finally, the story itself is so uplifting. Not only the stories that Kasha presents during the course of the film, her journey and the people with whom she intersects, but the ingenuity, resourcefulness and determination she exhibits in traveling the world to find these inspiring stories. Her dedication, devotion and activism for positive social change and the causes about which she is passionate is absolutely incredible!! The film is a call to action for each and every person who is lucky enough to see it.
Kasha, at 15, takes us on a journey in search of goodness. She showcases young activists around the world, like herself, who uplift others and invites us to witness love, strength and forgiveness in action. She and the young people this film is sure to inspire will transform our world.
It is inspiring to come across a young person who wants to make a difference and finds a way to do so. Kasha Sequoia Slavner, age 18, is one such person. Driven by her outrage at social injustice, Kasha set out 3 years ago to independently create and produce a compelling film called The Sunrise Storyteller, full of stories about people who are changing the world for the better. Bravo to Kasha!
Drawing on her experiences and travels, Kasha outlines what being a global citizen means to her and puts forward a positive view of the world rooted in hope and optimism. Given the divisive forces threatening to tear our world apart, Kasha’s outlook will undoubtedly serve as an inspiration to adults and young people alike. Her work is ultimately a clarion call for celebrating diversity and extending one’s empathy beyond our national borders
A moving documentary that offers a deeply-needed shift in lens from division and doom to hope and good. It is a beautiful tribute and awakening to the realization that, despite the torrent of media that focuses on darkness, there is good in the world, and we need to spend more time telling the stories of those who bring light forward. And, the fact that the filmmaker, Kasha, is still in her late teens is more than a bit inspiring.
Kasha Sequoia Slavner is a teenage filmmaker and young global leader to keep an eye on. Her first feature The Sunrise Storyteller is an important, respectful and engaging documentary which pays homage to the incredible potential, strength & beauty of the human spirit. It reminds us not only of our shared responsibility within our own communities but as global citizens as well. A fresh and much needed perspective for our times.
The Sunrise Storyteller is the antidote to all the negativity, racism, and xenophobia that exists in this day and age. It’s so impressive and inspiring to see such a young filmmaker be so passionate and motivated to make such an impactful film. We need more enlightened young people like Kasha and the people she features in the film to help pave the way for the future, and show that we are more alike than we are different.
Kasha Sequoia Slavner is a young documentary filmmaker & social impact changemaker to keep an eye on. The Sunrise Storyteller, her first pursuit into documentary filmmaking, is a thoughtful, moving and inspirational film that affirms what is possible, no matter the circumstances or what the media would have us believe. And to think, she did this all at 16 years old!
The Sunrise Storyteller is a beautifully shot film by an impressive young first-time filmmaker, Kasha Sequoia Slavner, a teenager determined to make a difference. With her compelling storytelling, Kasha touches on many world issues, highlighting stories of resilience to prove that a new narrative, one of hope, is possible. This inspirational, well-crafted and timely film is just what is needed to encourage all of us to come together as global citizens.