In recent years, the U.S. has been experiencing what’s been called a mental health crisis. The documentary Fractured examines how that crisis is playing out within the criminal justice system in North Carolina, a state where it’s been harder to access mental health care than in most others.

From FRONTLINE’s Local Journalism Initiative, the Charlotte, North Carolina, NPR station WFAE, and Firelight Media, Fractured investigates the long waits for mental health care that defendants who are deemed too sick to stand trial face in North Carolina. The documentary explores how the long waits for care affect not only these defendants, but also the criminal justice system itself.

Published on: PBS | FRONTLINE
Roles: Director, Producer and Co-Writer

The 2000 film “Erin Brockovich” seemed like a successful David versus Goliath story. A single mom of three took on PG&E for contaminating drinking water in Hinkley, California, and came out victorious, suing and winning $333 million from the giant utility company. But whatever became of the tiny town?

For the roughly 600 residents who received part of that payout, the ending wasn’t all happy. Residents who lived there in the ‘90s, such as Roberta Walker, say they suffer from residual health problems. And while they can’t disclose how much money they received from the lawsuit, they say it wasn’t enough to keep them afloat for long. Now, 21 years after the lawsuit, it seems the same public health hazard continues to affect the welfare of Hinkley residents.

Published on: Reveal, from the Center for Investigative Reporting
Roles: Director, Producer, Cinematographer and Editor

*2018 Gracie Award for Original Online Programming - Video Series “The Aftermath”

In the early hours of 2009, 22-year-old Oscar Grant was fatally shot by a Bay Area Rapid Transit police officer at the Fruitvale station in Oakland, California. The shooting was captured on cellphone video and made headlines nationwide, leading to a national conversation about police brutality. The officer who shot Grant was convicted of involuntary manslaughter and served 11 months in prison out of a two-year sentence.

In the following years, as more police killings made the news, Grant’s mother, Wanda Johnson, decided to turn her pain and grief into a purpose. She became an integral part of a movement made up of mothers like her, whose sons were killed by police, to help them find justice and ensure that their children are not forgotten. The number of members continues to grow steadily every year.

Published on: Reveal, from the Center for Investigative Reporting
Roles: Director, Producer, Cinematographer and Editor
*2018 Gracie Award for Original Online Programming - Video Series “The Aftermath”

President Donald Trump’s promise of a border wall has sparked wildly different reactions across the country. In southern Arizona, where long stretches of desert and extreme heat have killed thousands of migrants, water is the common ground between pro-immigrant activists and a rancher who backs the wall. 

Published on: Reveal, from the Center for Investigative Reporting
Roles: Director, Producer, Cinematographer and Editor
 

Shortly after President Donald Trump’s election, two friends, Lauren and Martina, decided to provide free legal aid to people living in the country without permission. They left their home in New York and traveled across the country by van to meet people in need of help. Lauren is an immigration lawyer and Martina is an immigrant from Mexico. In just a few months, they traveled to 12 states and estimated they advised nearly 200 immigrants on a shoestring budget.

Published on: Reveal, from the Center for Investigative Reporting
Roles: Director, Producer, Cinematographer and Editor

Jessica Sabogal’s work has been appearing on larger and larger walls — and that’s just the way she likes it. Graffiti it is not; spray paint may be her medium, but, Sabogal says, her work is always legal. The 28-year-old believes that murals should “stand for something,” and that her work is part of a shift as the medium moves into galleries and the fine art world. 

Published on: OZY
Roles: Producer, Cinematographer and Editor

Since 2013,  Brittani “Brittsense” Sensabaugh has documented the daily experiences of people living in cities and neighborhoods deemed “too dangerous” by some. For her, they are communities shining with examples of unconditional love and resilience. 

Published on: KQED and PBS
Roles: Producer, Cinematographer and Editor

The murder trial of Derek Chauvin is at the center of a national reckoning on race and policing. But cycles of protests over systemic racism and policing are not new. We watched the trial with the families of Rodney King, Oscar Grant and Stephon Clark to see this moment in history through their eyes.

Produced for: The New York Times
Roles: Producer (Produced in collaboration Nilo Tabrizy, Ainara Tiefenthäler, Elie M. Khadra and Shane O’Neill — The NYT Video team)

In the film (directed by Aubrey Aden-Buie), Harris speaks about what a "women's issue" really is. "In my career, from time to time, people will say to me, 'OK, Kamala, speak to us about women's issues.' I'll look at them and say, 'You know what, I'm so glad you want to talk about the economy.'" She goes on, "A woman's issue is national security. A woman's issue is combating climate change. A woman's issue is comprehensive immigration reform. The need for a $15 minimum wage. Those are all women's issues."

Published on: Glamour
Roles: Producer

You can view the full story on Glamour.com:
A New Film Series by Women, About Women—Featuring Senator Kamala Harris.

San Fransisco based comedian Luna Malbroux is "Mapping Privilege" and exploring both national and personal identity by talking with people all across the United States.

This short film was produced through our partnership with The Center for Investigative Reporting and published on Glamour.

You can view the full story on Glamour.com: Comedian Luna Malbroux Uses Humor to Shine a Light on Darkness