Allison Luthe, a doctoral student in the American Studies program at the IU School of Liberal Arts, alongside her co-researcher DeCaree Lewis, has produced the Talking Guns Project, a powerful short film addressing the pervasive issue of youth gun violence in Indianapolis. The film, directed by DeCaree, a local teenager, serves as a platform for the voices of young people directly impacted by this crisis.

As part of her doctoral research, An Ethnographic Study of Black Teenagers, Gun Violence, and the Youth Control Complex in Indianapolis, Allison and DeCaree interviewed ten teenagers who have been charged with gun-related offenses. Through these candid conversations, the film explores the complex reasons why these teens carry firearms, shedding light on the social, economic, and personal factors that influence their decisions. The goal is to foster a deeper understanding and empathy within the community.

Talking Guns Project emphasizes the urgent need for community-driven solutions to address this public health crisis. By centering the lived experiences of teenagers, the film aims to inspire meaningful dialogue and action toward saving lives.

We proudly announce that the Talking Guns Project has been selected for the 12th annual Ethnografilm Festival in Paris, which will be held at the prestigious Club De L’Etoile in April 2025. Ethnografilm celebrates the art and science of non-fiction filmmaking, showcasing work that fosters dialogue between independent and academic documentary filmmakers.

This festival, directed by Wesley Shrum, Professor of Sociology at Louisiana State University, highlights films with contemporary relevance and intellectual depth. Talking Guns Project aligns with the festival’s mission to examine cultural and social issues, offering insight into the patterns of living around gun violence and youth experiences in Indianapolis.

The film can currently be viewed online at: https://youtu.be/vuzGICFv3rk?si=VbjclEREHZttP7rv