London, 16 June 2025 — Walking Our Way (Caminar Distinto), a short film produced by People’s Palace Projects, has been named a winner in the Toronto International Short Film Awards seasonal competition. The film, which recently premiered in Latin America, will soon begin its UK tour.
Directed by Peruvian filmmaker Lizet Chávez, Walking Our Way is part of the five-year research project OLA – Building Resilience, which investigates the factors that help or hinder recovery from depression and anxiety in urban youth across Bogotá (Colombia), Buenos Aires (Argentina), and Lima (Peru).
“In making this documentary, I wanted to explore how nine young people use art to create a sense of belonging in large, highly urbanised cities—places where life can often feel overwhelming and connection can be hard to find. We filmed in three different cities where, despite the intensity of urban life, they found ways to feel connected to one another. My hope is that the film gives voice to their experiences and shows how art can be a way not only to express themselves, but also to feel better, to cope, and to build community in fast-paced, often isolating environments.” – Lizet Chávez
Synopsis:
The journeys of nine young Latin Americans lead us to the art of reflecting on what we feel. Walking Our Way presents the real stories of young people from Bogotá, Lima, and Buenos Aires as they navigate life in their cities, where they live and reflect on the impact of art on mental health.
A short film by Lizet Chávez, featuring young artists Brunella Lainez, Christian Calderón, Florencia Goulu, Francisco Tramujas, Lali Podestá, Natalia Bernal Aragón, Soleiny Bermúdez Martín, Valentina Cano Pérez, and Valeria Ríos.
Learn more about the research project: OLA – Building Resilience