Finding Sanctuary (2017)
This is a project in collaboration with graduate students in New York University's Studio 20 program.
Finding Sanctuary is a multimedia project borne in an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty, a singular time in American history when undertones of intolerance and xenophobia, walls and closed doors, re-expose our not-so-distant past. New York is considered a “sanctuary city,” but what that means, politically and for the 8.5 million people who call it home, defies neat explanation.
Follow the journeys of six individuals who have found—or are continuing to seek out—sanctuary in New York City.
One of the six sanctuary seekers, Teddy, was a Japanese American woman born in an internment camp during World War II. Teddy was among the 120,000 people of Japanese ancestry, citizens and aliens alike who were forced into 10 relocation camps.
I created a visualization where you are invited to interact with the data.
To see the full project, please visit findingsanctuary.nyc.
Awards and acknowledgements:
New York Emmy Awards - Public/Current/Community Affairs: Series
Award of Excellence, 2017 College Photographer of the Year (CPOY)
Semi-finalist, 2017 Atlanta Docufest
BEST OF CATEGORY: Short Film / Documentary, Horizon Interactive Awards
Gold Award, BEST OF CATEGORY: Trailer, Horizon Interactive Awards