Hope Works

Hope Works (2024) is a 19-minute documentary that follows a group of emerging young filmmakers in Washington, D.C. as they document the life-changing impact of the Run Hope Work (RHW) program on their peers. Created through Anacostia Youth Media, a program that teaches filmmaking to middle and high school students in Wards 7 and 8, the documentary is a powerful example of youth storytelling in action.

Trained and mentored by graduate and undergraduate students from American University’s School of Communication, the young filmmakers gain hands-on experience while capturing stories of resilience, growth, and transformation. The project began in October 2023 at Covenant House, where the filmmakers embedded themselves in RHW’s holistic training program—documenting everything from vocational skill-building and union training to meditation, fitness, and culturally relevant mentorship.

Over the course of four months, they witnessed firsthand how RHW fosters self-confidence, purpose, and hope among its participants. Through candid interviews and vérité storytelling, Hope Works highlights the strength of community-driven initiatives and the power of mentorship to help young people overcome adversity. At its core, the film delivers a powerful message: no matter the obstacles—hope works.