Rising to the Top is an award-winning short documentary Ana M. Cetina directed and produced, telling the story of two young artists in Nairobi—an acrobat and a dancer—whose lives were reshaped through their involvement with Sarakasi Trust, an organization that fosters empowerment through the performing arts. The film was created to spotlight how access to creative opportunities can serve as a pathway to personal and social transformation, especially for youth in under-resourced communities. Having lived in Kenya as a child, Ana M. Cetina was drawn to share a story that challenges one-dimensional portrayals of Africa and offers a more nuanced, human view—one that celebrates culture, resilience, and the potential of community-driven change.

 

Ana M. Cetina led the project from concept through final delivery, coordinating the team, directing interviews, managing production logistics, and editing the film. Among the key challenges were filming in high-risk areas and building trust with participants to authentically share their stories on camera. Throughout, Ana M. Cetina prioritized respectful storytelling and a collaborative process that centered the voices of those featured.

 

The film won the Local/Global Partnerships category of the LinkTV ViewChange Film Contest, judged by a distinguished panel including Wim Wenders, Danny Glover, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Angélique Kidjo, and Gael García Bernal, who praised the film for “reclaiming cultural expressions as a means to make better all aspects of life.” The film continues to serve as an example of how art and storytelling can amplify local voices and spark global connection.