Director's statement:
Over the past 12 months, my hope has dissipated exponentially. As the world turned upside down, my own faith, motivation and hope began to dwindle. Especially as I approach the end of high school, the lack of direction and my own existential spiralling made my future feel very bleak.
However, the past 12 months has also taught me patience, empathy and how to ride the wave. I learnt that not knowing what will happen in the future is actually just as comforting as it is terrifying. And luckily enough, I still find solace within my creativity.
Daruna's story is proof that hope is an intersectional concept that transcends all context and definition. Her experiences of perseverance despite the horrors she faced highlights the power we possess as human beings as much as it showcases her own humility. This gave me perspective. This gave me hope.