“Sticks & Stones” directly addresses the psychological repercussions of racial and class disparity in the American public educational system. Based on the filmmaker’s own experiences this short film exposes the influence a teacher can bear on her student’s abilities and the role parents can play in their child’s education. During a parent teacher conference late one afternoon, Darryl and Dolores confront their daughter’s maligned teacher, Mrs. Martin. Though their daughter, Rehema, is literate Mrs. Martin refuses to accept this obvious reality because of her own misperceptions. Rehema is challenged to either fight back or internalize the racial stereotypes. An engaging narrator guides the audience through this disturbing meeting. One Rochester Institute of Technology faculty member summarized the film in the following way: Rehema Trimiew's 'Sticks & Stones' is the rarest of student films; it's lushly shot, well directed and intelligent. This film is a relevant, incisive and lucid portrayal of a very personal experience whose implications touch upon real-world issues of contemporary and national concern. At once entertaining, educational and socially aware Trimiew's film sketches a scene that is all too typical. Concerned parents in an 'urban' school request an improvement in curriculum but are met with resistance based on what are essentially racial grounds. 'Sticks & Stones' confronts issues that are still plaguing race relations in the United States today.

Forms: Experimental, Narrative Fiction, Short
Genres: Alternative, Family, Drama, Educational, Children Live Action, Avant-garde, Human Rights, Independent, Surreal, Urban
Niches: African American, Black, Women, Student, Youth/Teen, Children