A foster care survivor became a judge—now her story's told by kids who lived it too.
SHE IS US: THE STORY OF JUDGE SONGHAI ARMSTEAD is an animated film that chronicles the extraordinary story of social justice warrior Songhai Armstead who was system impacted, faced systemic obstacles, and found purpose in empowering others. After a challenging childhood in foster care, Songhai embarks on a remarkable journey that shows the importance of creating opportunities. The film is a production of The Righteous Conversations Project and Second Nurture, a non-profit organization that mobilizes communities to support foster families and help children thrive. She is Us was directed by Samara Hutman & C. Lily Ericsson and animated by an extraordinary team of young people who know the potential of art and story to shape our world.
Practical Effects
Youth-made stop-motion that carries emotional weight no CGI could.
Direction
Collaborative vision bridging documentary truth with animated poetry.
Writing
Songhai's own testimony, shaped into tight 14-minute arc.
Director
Samara Hutman
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Righteous Conversations Project pairs Holocaust survivors with teens for intergenerational dialogue; this extends that model to foster care, treating lived experience as transferable wisdom.
Second Nurture's founder is a former foster parent who adopted; the organization's involvement means the film itself models the 'support network' it advocates for.
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