Teresa – a youth-led short film about gender equality

Teresa shines a light on the quiet sacrifices, unspoken expectations and deep-rooted biases that shape the lives of girls and women. From childhood to adulthood, the film shows how inequality often hides behind traditions, routines and ideas that many people accept as “normal”.

What started as a conversation about gender inequality grew into something much bigger.

Created by Young Changemakers

The short film was fully produced and filmed by the 49 members of State of Youth Manila, a State of Youth chapter where young people turn ideas into action. From scriptwriting and set design to directing and production logistics, young changemakers led every stage of the project.

Teresa quickly reached audiences far beyond the Philippines. The film was screened in schools across the country and selected for film festivals in Brazil, Australia and India.

The team’s dedication also earned international recognition. At the Campinas Film Festival in Brazil, Teresa received awards for Best Director, Best Actress and Best International Short Film.

This project proves what happens when young people see something that needs to change and decide to act. One story sparked conversations across borders and encouraged others to look differently at the world around them.

Watch the trailer and discover how a group of young changemakers turned awareness into action.

Interested by this youth-led project? Learn more about State of Youth.