When Nishita Matangi, PhD(c), MPH, School of Public Health (SPH) alumna and creator/executive producer of the documentary BERDOO Film, prepared to move to the Inland Empire for her Master of Public Health (MPH) in Global Health program, she was disheartened by the negative online portrayals of San Bernardino. Little did she know that her journey would lead her to create a powerful documentary that would shatter those stereotypes, amplify the resilient voices of the community, and earn prestigious recognition.
The documentary emerged from a class project that tasked her team with exploring chronic absenteeism in the San Bernardino City Unified School District. What began as an assumption about safety concerns quickly evolved into a deeper exploration.
Through key informant interviews, focus groups, and conversations with students, families, and community organizations, Nishita uncovered a narrative that challenged the surface-level narratives about San Bernardino. She discovered a dedicated community striving to support its youth, where issues like juggling multiple jobs, health concerns, and family responsibilities were the real barriers to school attendance.
Determined to share these untold stories, Nishita and her team decided to create a film with the support of the school district and Loma Linda University School of Public Health. The result was BERDOO, a poignant documentary that explored the challenges and celebrated the assets and efforts within the San Bernardino community.
The film's powerful storytelling resonated deeply with the community and had its first-ever in-person screening at the Inland Empire Film Festival last month, winning the Audience Award and Creative Corps Award. These accolades underscore the impactful storytelling that has struck a chord with audiences near and far.
"It was amazing to see everyone at the film festival, “Nishita said. “The goal of this film was for people in San Bernardino to tell their own story. The audience award confirmed that we succeeded in making the story bigger than just ourselves.”
As she continues her doctoral journey, Nishita hopes to build upon the insights gained from BERDOO, exploring how media and storytelling can advance public health goals by bringing health to people where they are. Her advice to aspiring storytellers?
"If you have a passion to share and want to have a voice, just do it,” Nishita said. “If you want to have an impact, you have to be present on social media and understand people's experiences. If nothing else, understand people's experiences and communicate with them. Whether it's a bidirectional connection or just to learn.”
Through BERDOO Film, Nishita Matangi exemplifies the transformative power of storytelling in amplifying community voices, fostering understanding, and driving positive change in public health. Her journey inspires public health professionals to approach their work with empathy, creativity, and a genuine desire to uplift and empower communities.
To experience BERDOO and learn more about Nishita's inspiring work, visit berdoofilm.com.