REEL WITNESS | DOCUMENTARy shorts
PRESENT MOMENT
Present Moment is a collaborative film project documenting a family negotiating the realities of a long term, degenerative illness: Parkinson's Disease. The film is a celebration of living life well -- despite whatever health challenges one might face. Our protagonist's wisdom, honesty and courage inspires the viewer while reminding them of their own innate resiliency.
Present Moment was made in March 2015 as a love letter to my father Gary. Sharing his courageous story was my inspiration. I deeply admire Gary's important message: live in the world with intention, while finding acceptance amidst adversity.
This remarkably fluid production emerged from several converging forces. Noah’s creative presence as cinematographer shaped the filming with both technical precision and deep compassion, as he carried a profoundly personal story with care. My parents’ unwavering support made possible an honest and tender portrayal of their most private experiences. Above all, my father’s fearless openness allowed the story to become an intimate study of his daily struggles, held in balance with resilience and quiet bravery.
Present Moment has screened at 26 film festivals around the world, earning 6 awards, played on PBS and dozens of community events. It was nominated for an Emmy in 2017.
“An empowering film about courage, resilience and acceptance. ”
“The documentary Present Moment provides a vivid and moving portrait of a man who has incorporated Parkinson’s disease into his sense of identity. As portrayed in the film, he is so much more than his disease – an important lesson for everyone coping with a chronic illness. ”
LITTLE REBEL
Reel Witness created Little Rebel as a pro-bono project in response to the first Trump Administration's Muslim travel ban. It is a celebration of our asylee/refugee communities.
Little Rebel follows the extraordinary story of Isatou Jallow — a remarkable West African woman from The Gambia, and now Seattle resident. Since seeking asylum in the USA (2012), Isatou has pursued graduate degrees at the University Washington/UW Law School while she continuously advocates for women, asylees/refugees and people with disabilities.
The dimensions of Isatou’s epic journey—from her origins and physical hardships to scholarship, becoming a lawyer and leader, demonstrating an ultimate resiliency and altruism with a vision for Gambian children with disabilities— are deeply human, harrowing, transcendent, tenacious…and part of the American immigrant story.
Dr. Isatou Jallow received a PHD from the University of Washington in 2024 and works with organizations on inclusive education.
Little Rebel played at 32 film festivals around the globe, earning 7 festival awards and was honored to be shared in person with the President of The Gambia in 2018.
“Beautifully intelligent dignified message with camerawork and production values to match.
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“Little Rebel is exactly what I’d expect from filmmaker Aimie Vallat - humane, insightful, wise, and full of hope. ”
THIS BEING HUMAN
Reel Witness created This Being Human to continue highlighting the Muslim refugee experience in America.
Hameed’s story represents a modern hero’s journey; a child of war runs the race of his life, for days cross-country, and knocks on the door of refuge. Supplicating for entrance, and turned-away twice in Turkey, finally, Hameed is granted United Nations-guaranteed safe passage, to the USA — a solo journey, leaving his home for refuge, hope and dreams. He lands in Seattle where, after 8 years of no education in Iraq, he gains speed with access to resources and the classroom. It seems insurmountable, he’s dedicated and learns a third language, he encounters adversity and challenge, a foster family steps forward, and he accelerates towards higher education and loftier altruistic dreams...This being survival. This being resilience. This being immigrant. This being free. This being our American Dream. This Being Human.
Hameed is currently working as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with refugees and immigrants and is passionate about supporting his community.
This Being Human played at 20 film festivals, received 6 awards, screened at a dozen events in collaboration with UNHCR, Stanford University, CAIR and many other organizations.
“Aimie Vallat’s compassionate doc, THIS BEING HUMAN, tells an immigrant’s story artfully, transcending politics by focusing on the individual. Ms. Vallat’s skill is evidenced by the candor and vulnerability with which Hameed shares his experiences and by DP and co-director Guido Ronge’s lush, yet no nonsense visual storytelling which, in tandem, create an unbiased portrait of just one of the many who come to America and benefit the country in return. ”