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NO LOITERING is an intimate portrait of teenagers trying to understand their world and their possibilities. The film weaves together video shot by teens and by the filmmaker, as they work together to make a film and create expressive outlets for youth in the community. They organize dances and community events and paint a mural. At the same time, with humor and pathos, these young people raise issues around violence, feeling misunderstood by adults and lacking respect in their community. Set in the small town of Sitka, Alaska, home to a large Native American population, the video chronicles the creativity, concerns and dreams of youth growing up today.

I loved the film. It took the kids' voices seriously without romanticizing them and it offers up a powerful commentary on the need to make young people a priority by giving them public spaces, resources, and public goods. A terrific production.
Henry Girioux, Professor of Secondary Education Penn State University Author, "Channel Surfing: Racism, The Media & the Deconstruction of Today Youth."

NO LOITERING includes seemingly contradictory themes (does this community care about its kids, or not? Are Native and white youth well integrated, or is there discrimination?) without imposing a heavy-handed conclusion; the viewer can decide, and the answer is not simple. Nor is it anywhere in America.
Mike Males Sociologist and Author, "The Scapegoat Generation" Professor, UC Santa Cruz

A film about the kids teachers hate to have in the classroom. A film teachers need to see.
Cathy Poulson, High School English Teacher Sitka, Alaska

For adults, No Loitering demonstrates the uniqueness and individuality of teenagers, while proving to teenagers that many of their feelings, attitudes and issues are universal among their peers, regardless of where they grow up. An asset to an academic library with social work, sociology, psychology, or education collections.
Michele M. Arcury, E. H. Butler Library, Buffalo State College, Buffalo, NY
Educational Media Reviews Online
full review

The program, which captures the concerns of teens and their efforts to overcome their sense of isolation through video shot by teens as well as the filmmaker, may inspire other teens to talk about issues of vital importance. It could be used in guidance, health, psychology and sociology classes.
Anita Gordon, Lincoln High School, Ypsilanti, MI.
School Library Journal
full review

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AWARDS & SCREENINGS:

• Fledgling Film Festival
• Victoria Independent Film and Video Festival
• Anchorage Film Fesitival
• VTV:Varsity Television
• Council on Foundations Film & Video Festival
• Western Psychological Association Convention
• Alaska Juvenile Justice Advisory Board
• Northwest Network on Youth
• Deadcenter Film Festival
• PBS Broadcast

Resource Web Sites

No Loitering Study Guide