The Rights of Butterflies

The Rights of Butterflies was conceived and directed by Laura Moya, a Montgomery College student, who approached the Gandhi Brigade to help in the production of the film. Her vision was to focus on the story of Katya, a hard working student who is involved in her community, to expose the difficulties that an undocumented student has in continuing their college education. During the summer of 2011, she worked with Laurel Gwizdak, a professional filmmaker, and a team of Gandhi Brigade youth to realize this project.

Synopsis
The Rights of Butterflies tells the story of Katya, an undocumented student in Montgomery County, and her struggle to fund and continue her college education due to her legal status. In the film, we learn about Katya’s personal sacrifices in coming to the United States, her transition into the Silver Spring Area, where she constructs a sense of home, and her perseverance to achieve her ambitions in continuing her education and excelling as a professional.

The Rights of Butterflies Trailer from Laurel Gwizdak on Vimeo.

Screenings
October 21- VIP screening at Montgomery College
December 5- Public screening at the Silver Spring Civic Center
March 24- CASA de Maryland
March 27- University of Maryland
March 28- American University

*If you would like to organize a screening of The Rights of Butterflies, please contact Paula Matallana at [email protected]

Film Crew
Laura Moya- Director and Editor
Laurel Gwizdak- Media Trainer and Editor
Sandrine Emambu- Videographer and Editor
Byniam Hundito- Videographer and Editor
Zaid Jameel- Videographer and Editor
Alan Marroquin- Videographer and Editor

Additional Professional Guidance
Gregory Walsh

A special thanks to our sponsors who were able to make this film possible:
Chino Cienega
Cafritz
Polinger
Takoma Foundations