This film is a co-production of Women’s Voices Now and GlobalGirl Media: Under The Scarf is a production of Girls’ Voices Now, a Women’s Voice Now Summer Youth Program focused on empowering the next generation of women and femme-identifying activists, filmmakers, and feminists between the ages of 14-22 year old.
Under The Scarf Synopsis
Mehrin, like any other teenage girl, tries to navigate her way through high school. Once the scarf is on, she’s deemed a stereotype. Under The Scarf is one of four short social impact documentaries co-produced by GlobalGirl Media + Women’s Voices Now, summer 2018.
About Under The Scarf’s Youth Filmmakers
Ana Antuna is a student activist and organizer in Los Angeles. She is a first-generation student studying Political Science at The University of Southern California. Born and raised in the city of angels, she has seen and experienced social injustice, and knows the struggles her community endures daily. She is part of “We Can Make A Difference LA”, a group that collects and donates hygiene products and clothing for homeless communities living on Skid Row. She is a board member of the Boyle Heights Neighborhood Council, and strives to achieve inclusiveness and justice for her community.
Her love for children and art has given her the opportunity to become a mentor and volunteer for foster youth. She volunteers with Free Arts, a non-governmental organization that provides art for underserved children in Los Angeles County and creates masterpieces with the children. Ana was a lead student organizer for March For Our Lives LA. She is now part of a group called Youth Change Coalition that formed after MFOL LA, with a mission is to fight for issues that affect all youth.
She has organized and led marches such as the 4/20 walkouts and a die-in at City Hall. She received the Dean’s Award during her freshman and sophomore year. Ana also received a certification of appreciation on behalf of the City of Los Angeles and the New 9th Council district for being the moderator at a panel in the 3rd Annual Mujeres Empowered for Success Latina Conference. Ana’s passion and purpose is to serve her community. She strives for equality and justice. Her activism reflects the person she is and the vision she wishes to see in this world.
Mehrin Ashraf is a Bangladeshi, Muslim girl, living in the United States with hopes to achieve a high education, take care of her family and give back to the community. She traveled to the United States in May 2013 without knowing how to speak English. Within 3 months, she taught herself to speak proper English by watching TV and reading books.
Mehrin works with two major social justice organizations, Korean Resource Center and Mayor’s Youth Council, and has previously worked with USC Shoah Foundation. She was president of her school’s student body for the last two years, and leads multiple clubs at her school. Mehrin was awarded NCWIT Aspirations In Computing award for LA and OC in 2018. In her free time, she loves to write stories, educate her friends about political events and take pictures.
Michelle Leon is the oldest of three siblings and came from immigrant parents. A recent graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, she attends Mount Saint Mary’s University- Los Angeles with the plan to major in journalism and minor in environmental studies. She is passionate about writing and the environment and aspires to be an independent writer or to write for the National Park Service.
Her previous internship with journalism, media and environmental conservation includes an internship with Wapow, an upcoming magazine in the Chinatown community, work with Las Fotos Project, an organization in the community that empowers young girls and women to learn about the world of photography, and a summer job with the National Park Service in the Interior Department, performing restoration and beautification projects in the Santa Monica Mountains. She enjoys hiking, scenic places, cafes, coffee shops, reading and adventures with friends and family in her free time.
Cheyenne Williams is a rising junior at Hollywood High School and is in the New Media Academy (NMA). Cheyenne participated in SkillsUSA’s TV production film competition. She plays the role of “Harem Girl” in the play, Aladdin, at the Madrid Theatre.
More from Under The Scarf ‘s Filmmakers
To learn more about the Under The Scarf, relevant resources, and the call to action, please visit the film page, here.
About Under The Scarf’s Collaborator
GlobalGirl Media is dedicated to empowering high school-age girls from under-served communities around the world through media, leadership and journalistic training to have a voice in the global media universe and their own futures. This organization seeks to empower young women from under-served communities through digital journalism and media training to bring their powerful perspectives to the global media stage.
