The Life and Mind of Mark DeFriest

Students from the Washington Urban Debate League navigate the challenges of daily life while striving for excellence in competitive debate. Beginning at an annual summer debate camp during the final days of the COVID pandemic, the film follows a group of dedicated young debaters. They immerse themselves in research, critical thinking, teamwork, and performance, hoping these skills will not only help them win tournaments but also overcome the obstacles standing between them and their full potential.

The Miami-Dade Community Mental Health Project comes to life in this documentary, following a team of dedicated public servants working through the courts to steer people with mental illness on a path from incarceration to recovery.