FROM TRASH TO TREASURE: turning negatives into positives
FROM TRASH TO TREASURE: turning negatives into positives — directed by iara lee (Cultures of Resistance Films)
In Lesotho—a highland country surrounded by South Africa—an artist named Nthabiseng TeReo Mohanela takes discarded materials and transforms them into unique clothing and accessories. Teaching young people the benefits of recycling and re-creation, she calls her project “From Trash to Treasure.” With TeReo’s work as a starting point, this short film showcases a broader spirit of reimagination among artists in Lesotho, who use creativity to respond to entrenched social problems: Filmmakers show the need to end child marriage. Musicians write songs about climate change. Farmers collect seeds to protect endangered tree species. Designers use fashion to preserve traditional Basotho culture and challenge common perceptions of Africa. Profiling a variety of these innovators, FROM TRASH TO TREASURE: turning negatives into positives encourages us to take lessons from those who rethink, reuse, and reinvent in order to promote positive change.
- TRAILER
- WATCH THE FILM
- SYNOPSIS
- SCREENINGS
- ABOUT THE DIRECTOR
- PEOPLE IN THE FILM
- CREATIVE ACTIVISM AWARDS
- PHOTO GALLERY
- FOR THE PRESS
- AWARDS
- AUDIENCE FEEDBACK
- FILM PRESS COVERAGE
- CREDITS AND TECH SHEET
TRAILER
WATCH THE FILM
Capoeira is thought to have originated in Brazil, growing out of traditions brought overseas by enslaved Africans. The dynamic martial art form incorporates dance, music and acrobatics all at once. Through Capoeira Luanda, the practice becomes a new way to celebrate, preserve and learn about Brazilian culture.![]()
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Capoeira Luanda is bringing the capoeira art form to new communities, and celebrating the richness of Afro-Brazilian cultures. The organization strives to use the principles of capoeira as a means to foster positive psycho-social development and critical consciousness within communities.