"We Deserve Better" Film

"We Deserve Better” is a 28-minute first-person documentary film produced by Keya Maiorana (formerly Keya Rice) & Mariam Khan. "We Deserve Better" explores the lives, struggles, and personal pursuits of New York City's public housing tenants as they navigate terrible living conditions during a global pandemic and racial unrest. The film received the 2021 First Time Filmmaker and Advanced Student Award from the Hobnobben Film Festival. It was showcased during the 2020 Reel Sisters of the Diaspora Film Festival and Lecture Series and featured in a special collection of films by the Non-Profit Organization College Film Makers.

"We Deserve Better" Early Production & Film Approval

This early film reel, produced in December 2019, was created to find the narrative arc and direction of the film. The film initially focused on New York City Public Housing tenants fighting to get apartment repairs. However, following the COVID-19 pandemic and racial unrest in the country, the film's direction shifted. "We Deserve Better" would go on to be approved for funding in 2020.

Filmed & Edited by Keya Maiorana & Mariam Khan

"We Deserve Better" (Official Selection of the College Filmmakers Film Festival)

Following approval for funding in 2020, "We Deserve Better" evolved into a 28-minute documentary film exploring the impact of inhumane living conditions, the COVID-19 pandemic, and racial unrest on low-income minority communities, told through the lens of public housing residents LaKeesha Taylor and Keya Rice. This 2021 film version was the official selection for the College Filmmakers Film Festival.

Filmed & Edited by Keya Maiorana & Mariam Khan

"We Deserve Better" Official Film Trailer -2021

Filmed & Edited By Keya Maiorana & Mariam Khan

For more information on the "We Deserve Better" Film, please get in touch with Keya below.

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