Feature Films

Raising Aniya

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Raising Aniya – Trailer

Aniya Wingate is a young dance artist in Houston, Texas, who embarks on a journey to heal her spirit and find her voice after being displaced by a hurricane. With guidance from her mentor, Walter Hull, Aniya investigates impacted communities on the Gulf Coast and develops a dance performance inspired by her experiences and the complex legacies of environmental injustice. Family, religion, sexuality, and mental health collide as she strives to transform dark histories into beautiful expression and movement. Through intimate observational cinematography, evocative dance sequences, and a haunting score, Aniya’s story traces the agony and the ecstasy of growing up, while revealing the power of art and community.

Raising Aniya – Full Film

85 min., 2025

Raising Aniya: Press Notes

Aniya's Journey

Months after being displaced by Hurricane Harvey, 15-year-old Aniya Wingate sets out to discover her voice as a dance artist and environmental activist while coming of age in inner-city Houston.

With guidance from her mentor, Walter Hull, Aniya investigates impacted communities on the Gulf Coast and develops a dance performance inspired by her experiences and the complex legacies of environmental injustice.

Family, religion, sexuality and mental health collide as she strives to transform dark histories into beautiful expression and movement. Through intimate observational cinematography, evocative dance sequences, and a haunting scorw, Aniya's story traces the agony and the ecstasy of growing up, while revealing the power of art and community.

All People Have the Right to A Healthy Environment

Countless studies have shown that the climate crisis most heavily impacts minority and low-income communities. Big polluters have exposed these communities to environmental hazards for decades. This means residents are exposed to higher levels of pollutants and environmental hazards when industrial sites and hazardous waste facilities are present in their community.

Environmental justice advocates that everyone - regardless of race, color, national origin or income - has the right to a healthy, sustainable, and resilient environment.

Be Part of the Change

Throw a Watch Party

Stories shape us. Aniya helps bring hope and healing to communities experiencing environmental racism. She also brings awareness to individuals who need to advocate for change.

Be Prepared for a Natural Disaster

Are you experiencing a natural disaster? Get community resources for hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, flooding, earthquakes, extreme heat, and winter weather.

Don't Wait for a Disaster

Support a Local Organization

Take the first step and search online for some local environmental or climate justice organization. Try out a meeting. Make connections. Each step will open doors for you to make a difference.