Jon Stojan
Image credit: Yasir Habeeb
Vibha, a prominent non-profit organization, hosted an exclusive screening of the documentary “The Audacity to Dream” at the Beverly Hills Library. The event co-hosted and this powerful film Directed by Sharon Angel, follows Manisha, a young girl from rural South India, as she overcomes immense obstacles to achieve her educational dreams, emphasizing the transformative power of education and the critical need for reform within the American public school system.
The event attracted influential figures in education and social advocacy, including Vibha’s Board Member Monika Erande, who has made significant contributions to child education. Erande’s dedication to Vibha’smission of empowering underprivileged children was evident through her active involvement in foundational literacy initiatives, she said: “English serves as a global language, essential for international communication. In the context of India, higher education often takes place in English, making it crucial for children to learn the language to access better educational opportunities.”
Image credit: Yasir Habeeb
Director Sharon Angel, a renowned author and media executive, used her expertise to bring Manisha’s story to life. Through her company, A North Production, Angel focuses on creating narratives that heal and inspire change. Her work in “The Audacity to Dream” highlights the importance of storytelling in addressing social issues and promoting educational reform.
Sharon Angel, the director of “The Audacity to Dream” shared insights into her inspiration for the documentary during an interview. She explained that she was moved to direct the film after hearing the story of Manisha from Ashwini Kumar, the CEO of Vibha. “Manisha’s aspiration to become a doctor, a generational aspiration that her mother did not get to fulfill resonated deeply with me. Having been born in the same state in India and having benefited from educational opportunities myself, I felt a personal connection to her journey. I wanted to capture the journey of a mother and daughter as they dream big together” Sharon said.
She decided to document Manisha’s story to emphasize the transformative power of education, especially for young girls like Manisha. Sharon highlighted that the film underscores the fundamental human right to education and showcases how organizations like Vibha, through strategic partnerships, provide quality education and English literacy, thereby enhancing the confidence and capabilities of girls like Manisha.
Image credit: Yasir Habeeb
“The Audacity to Dream” was filmed in both India and Los Angeles, with the aim of shedding light on the pressing need for quality education in public schools. Sharon advocated for educational reforms in the United States to ensure that children are equipped with essential skills, such as communication, that are vital for their future success in an increasingly technological world. She expressed hope that the documentary would inspire collaborations between parents, teachers, and various stakeholders to nurture children’s unique talents and identities, preparing them for prosperous futures.
In conclusion, Sharon shared her goal for the documentary: to initiate conversations and partnerships that advance educational opportunities and skill development for children worldwide. Her dedication to amplifying Manisha’s story and advocating for educational reform underscores the importance of addressing systemic issues to create a brighter future for generations to come.