Amira Barrett, C’2025, an aspiring film director and documentary filmmaking major, aspires to tell the stories of underrepresented groups within the African diaspora. Her journey took her to the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador, where she studied marine ecology and improved her Spanish fluency. This experience was a step toward understanding the Afro-Ecuadorian population, whose stories she hopes to share through film.
Life in the Galapagos Islands introduced Barrett to a communal lifestyle, a stark contrast to the individualistic culture found in the U.S. The Atlanta and Philadelphia native embraced the local customs of sharing meals, drinks and dances, even with strangers. She also adapted to the relaxed approach to punctuality, where events start when everyone arrives rather than at a set time.
Barrett’s time in Ecuador taught her the importance of language and keeping an open mind while forming unexpected friendships and connections. Her experience deepened her commitment to highlighting the stories of Afro-Latino communities through her cinematic work.
“Traveling to the Galapagos means I have friends and a new home forever. As a filmmaker, it means I have a new experience to use as inspiration for telling stories throughout the African diaspora,” said Barrett. “Additionally, my time in Ecuador helped me achieve my lifelong goal of traveling to every Spanish-speaking country in the world, which will help diversify the stories I am able to tell in my films. Even though the U.S. is my home, Ecuador will always have my heart.”
Living among the Afro-Ecuadorian community and embracing their communal lifestyle taught her the value of shared experiences and the richness of diverse perspectives. Barrett said she learned that authentic storytelling goes beyond just depicting events but also involves capturing the essence of a community’s way of life, values and interpersonal relationships.