alejandra alcala
In 2022, filmmaker Alejandra Alcala co-founded HOME Storytellers, a nonprofit that uses the power of film to shed light on sustainable solutions to the refugee crisis through character-driven short documentary films. Following her first production, Hot Dogs on a Tricycle, Alejandra worked as both creative director and editor on a 50-minute movie called The Neighborhood Storyteller. She is currently developing another film concerning refugees in Malawi but has taken time out of her busy schedule to chat with us about her childhood, her interest in movie making and, of course, The Neighborhood Storyteller, which we are delighted to share with the Phonetic Planet community via a free online viewing event during the early part of December
Alejandra Alcala (right) poses with a young friend during the filming of The Neighborhood Storyteller
Where in the world did you grow up, Alejandra?
I was born in Mexico, but I grew up in various countries around the world, including the USA, England, and Australia, due to my father's work. It was an incredible experience; however, the concept of home and cultural identity during my upbringing was somewhat vague. Like any child, I wanted to fit in and not stand out by being different. For many years, I avoided speaking Spanish to my parents, refrained from eating Mexican food in front of other kids, and hesitated to admit I was from Mexico. It wasn't until my adolescence that I realized the beauty in diversity and became proud of who I am— a bilingual Mexican girl fortunate enough to witness and embrace a multitude of perspectives and ways of life from the various cultures and countries that defined my childhood.
What kind of stories did you enjoy as a child?
As a child, I loved Roald Dahl's stories. I also enjoyed reading Charlotte's Web, by
EB White, Holes, by Louis Sachar and the series Dear America books published by Scholastic (Each book is written in the form of a diary of a young woman's life during important events or time periods in American history) . The person who sparked my interest in reading was my kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Roberts. I was 5 years old and we had just arrived in Michigan. My English vocabulary consisted of only two words: "Rabbit" and "Yes." My parents, finding it somewhat amusing, would ask, "What will you say in English when someone asks your age?" I'd confidently reply, "Rabbit." What about if someone asks you, "What is your name?" My response would be a simple "Yes." Mrs. Roberts, with her exceptional patience, kindness, and a delightful sense of humor, played a crucial role in helping me adapt to a new school and country. It was under her guidance that I recognized the importance of reading aloud during this life changing process.
Still from ‘The Neighborhood Storyteller”
How did you become interested in filmmaking?
Although I found enjoyment in reading books at an early age, it was movies that truly captivated me. To this very day, the pleasure I experience from watching a great film remains incomparable. I would describe myself as an overly empathic person, a quality that, while nice, can be challenging to navigate at times. When I immerse myself in a compelling movie, I consciously allow myself to experience and deeply feel the emotions the story evokes, fully aware that the movie will eventually end, and the intensity of the feelings will ease. What I am left with is the thoughts and reflection which I will always carry with me. It's almost therapeutic, providing a unique and valuable opportunity for introspection.
It was back in 2018, amidst a sense of uncertainty about my life's direction and contribution to the world, when my father introduced the idea of starting a nonprofit that utilizes visual storytelling for social change. He invited me to join the venture, and despite lacking a filmmaking background, together, we established HOME Storytellers. Since then, we have successfully produced two short films and our most prized achievement, the award-winning feature film, "The Neighborhood Storyteller."
After a while, we realized that it wasn't enough to just produce films to create an impact. This realization prompted us to take our work one step further. We decided not only to produce the films but also to carefully craft and implement impact campaigns, enabling our films to achieve their impact goals.
Alejandra (right) on the set of The Neighborhood Storyteller
Can you tell us a little about your award-winning movie, The Neighborhood Storyteller?
Asmaa, despite being denied an education at a young age, has emerged as a powerful force for change and empowerment. Fleeing war-ravaged Syria with her children, she found solace and a new sense of home in the Zaatari refugee camp in Jordan for ten years.
It was within the confines of this camp that Asmaa's transformative journey began. In 2014, she received training on reading aloud to children from the esteemed Dr. Rana Dajani, founder of We Love Reading. This opportunity became a catalyst for Asmaa's self-discovery, unveiling her inner strength and igniting a passion for making a difference.
The Neighborhood Storyteller is a film that reveals the magic that unfolds when a woman unleashes her full inner potential. Leading reading-aloud circles in her home in the Zaatari refugee camp, Asmaa found a way to overcome her adversity, turning it into an opportunity to empower adolescent girls and help them see beyond the limitations of their circumstances. The film documents Asmaa's latest project and the incredible transformation it had on the participating girls.
This film has rapidly become a project very close to my heart. Not only am I extremely proud of the film's professional outcome, but Asmaa and I have become really good friends! The experience of getting to know her and spending time with her family goes beyond the production of the film. We talk on a daily basis, and she is a huge part of The Neighborhood Storyteller's impact campaign. Asmaa has taught me to face my fears, appreciate the unimaginable resilience and strength humans have, and at the same time, she has been a huge role model to me as a mother. Throughout these past two years since the film's production, Asmaa has been there to remind me that even during dark times, inside our hearts, we will always find a way to carry the weight of the world on our shoulders.
Our sincere gratitude goes to Alejandra for sharing her time and insights with us for the purpose of this interview!
You can learn more about HOME Storytellers at the following link:
https://www.homestorytellers.org
The organization known as We Love Reading describes its philosophy as follows:
“Our philosophy is based on the butterfly effect—the concept that small actions can have far-reaching consequences. We believe that just one person can make a difference and that the contribution of each individual matters. Through collective effort, transformation unfolds”. You can access more information about them here;
We can also share with you the founding video of HOME storytellers, courtesy of Alejandra. Please note that all photos and videos used in this article are the property of Alejandra Alcala and Francisco Alcala.