Filmmaker's Statement
I created Next Door during my senior year in high school as it was inspired by my experience as a boarding school student. There is a certain understanding of familial love and atmosphere that can only be understood in a boarding house, and I wanted to share a glimpse of that.
This project is impactful as it showcases the different challenges girls face amongst different age groups in high school. While it is a transformative and difficult time in girls' lives, it's magical how they can unite and uplift each other through it all.
The girls' stories in the film preach the importance of perspective, and the openness to empathizing with others. It is truly a close story to my heart because it highlights the joy that can be found when individual women come together to create a chosen family.
Shot on SONY FX3
Edited ON FINAL CUT PRO
NEXT DOOR - credits
Written, Directed, Shot, Edited, and Colored by
Farida Ayad
With the Participation of
Residents of Heather Gillin Residence
and students of Ashbury College,
Ottawa ON