Generations Rise: Reston - A Documentary Short now available for viewing
We are pleased to share a new documentary short created by Reston, VA -based filmmaker Rebekah Wingert, entitled Generations Rise: Reston, a timely documentary that captures the impact of PCC’s 2023 production of Generations Rise: Reston. It premiered at Reston Community Center’s(RCC) Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration on January 20, 2025. The film resonates as an urgent reminder of the importance of creating spaces where all voices can be heard, especially in a time when marginalized communities face growing challenges to their rights and humanity.
Generations Rise: Reston was a 2023 production, part of PCC’s acclaimed Undesirable Elements series, created by PCC Senior Director of Engagement Sara Zatz and DC-area theatre artist Tuyet Thi Pham, commissioned, presented and produced at Reston Community Center (RCC) in Reston, VA. It shared the deeply personal stories of five Reston residents, ranging in age from 12 to 56, offering raw reflections on identity, belonging, and community and the transformative power of storytelling to foster empathy and connection.
The production and documentary delve into themes of mental health, healing, and resilience, as participants recount life-changing experiences such as navigating immigration and first-generation experiences, education, mental health challenges, living as a trans teen in a world of assumptions, and confronting systemic inequities like racism, reproductive rights, and access to healthcare. Against the backdrop of Reston’s unique history as the nation’s first planned community, these stories highlight both the diversity and shared humanity of its residents. As one participant shared, “I know I’m not the only person like this, so being able to be here and represent myself in my own words feels very, very important.”
Sara Zatz reflects “This short film, artfully directed by Rebekah Wingert, is beautiful, moving, and really reflective of the Undesirable Elements process, and the deep community ties/offerings of Reston Community Center. It makes an incredible documentation of the HOW we do things, as well as the WHY. We are so appreciative of Paul Michnewicz for inviting PCC to RCC, Rebkah for her compassionate and generous eye as a filmmaker, and all the cast members for their vulnerability and power in sharing their stories”
We hope you take a moment to watch this documentary, and celebrate the strength, courage and voices reflected in the work, and the power of creating holistic spaces to share collective community experiences.
