TED Talks Daily Documentary films that explore trauma -- and make space for healing | Almudena Toral
Jul 9, 2021
Almudena Toral, a TED Fellow and journalist, delves into the world of documentary filmmaking to uncover the hidden scars of trauma in marginalized communities. She shares the poignant story of Adayansi Pérez, a six-year-old from Guatemala suffering from PTSD after encountering U.S. immigration enforcement. Toral emphasizes how personal narratives can foster empathy, create healing spaces, and challenge systemic injustices. With a call to action, she highlights the power of storytelling in making invisible wounds visible and advocating for change.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Adayanci's Story
- Almudena Toral witnessed a six-year-old Guatemalan girl, Adayanci Pérez, exhibit signs of trauma after returning from the US.
- Adayanci had been separated from her father due to the "zero tolerance" policy at the US-Mexico border.
Documenting Trauma's Aftermath
- Almudena Toral's work focuses on documenting the lasting impacts of trauma after media attention fades.
- She believes that sharing these stories can reveal the true consequences of government policies and foster empathy.
Understanding Trauma
- Trauma is a psychological wound that affects the body, mind, memory, and sense of safety.
- It can stem from various causes, including war, violence, and abuse, and is not limited to distant events.