digital STORYTELLING
Advancing Youth
Civic Engagement
The Civic Life Project
Educate
The Civic Life Project teaches digital storytelling and documentary filmmaking as a tool for civic education, helping students creatively examine how laws, policies, and systems impact their daily lives.
Engage
The filmmaking process empowers young people to use their voice and share their stories. They discover their power as active participants in their communities and in the democratic process.
Amplify
Online and in-person, we present video productions that amplify youth voices and diverse perspectives; fostering civil dialogue, mutual understanding, and meaningful progress.
Digital Storytelling
We create digital storytelling resources for educators including workshops and teacher professional development. Civic Life students identify and critically analyze complex issues, and come to understand and value opposing viewpoints. They discover their own power as storytellers and advocates. The experience culminates with community screenings and participation in the Civic Life’s Democracy Youth Film Challenge.
About Us
The Civic Life Project was founded in 2010 by Emmy Award-winning filmmakers Catherine Tatge and Dominique Lasseur in Northwest Connecticut. Our commitment is to strengthen democracy and civil society by investing in the next generation of citizens and leaders through the medium of documentary storytelling. We believe young adults from all backgrounds should have the skills and knowledge to participate civically and engage in public life.
Youth Filmmakers in Action
Dear America
Molly Smith examines gun violence in America.
We Have No Color
Andrea Corraza examines race and identity.
Democracy
Hotchkiss School students examine the importance of civic engagement.
Watch Civic Life Project Films
From classroom works to submissions to our Democracy Youth Film Challenge, click below to witness youth voices at the forefront of democracy.