Premiering at SXSWEdu 2025, “Run, Hide, Fight: Growing Up Under the Gun” presents a poignant and deeply unsettling exploration of gun violence in America through the eyes of its most vulnerable victims: the youth. This 30-minute documentary, produced by PBS News Student Reporting Labs in collaboration with 14 student journalists from cities like Philadelphia, Oakland, Washington, D.C., Nashville, and East Lansing, challenges the narrative often dominated by adult perspectives, offering a much-needed platform for young voices.
As one of the student reporters in attendance, Ethan Rodriguez, articulated with remarkable clarity, the film dives into the grim reality faced by children and teenagers in the U.S. In a country where gun violence has tragically become the leading cause of death for children and teens, this documentary sheds light on the emotional toll and societal implications of living under the constant threat of violence. Rodriguez shared, “My personal experience gave me the initiative to jump on this project… I’ve lost a fellow classmate to gun violence almost every year.” His firsthand connection to the issue adds an authenticity that resonates throughout the film.
Each segment, crafted by young journalists, provides a unique insight into the lives of their peers, capturing their fears, frustrations, and the resilience they muster in the face of such adversity. While brief at 26 minutes, the documentary’s structure is impactful and thought-provoking. Rodriguez noted the challenge of condensing “traumatic and raw experiences into something that made sense to viewers without having all the pieces.” While necessary for production, this constraint leaves audiences yearning for a deeper exploration of the issues at hand.
Rodriguez’s journey to this project began during his sophomore year of college when he applied for a PBS News Student Reporting Labs Internship. His passion for the mission of SRL led him to ask how he could continue to contribute, which is how he became involved in this vital documentary. He explained, “As long as there are things worth talking about, I’ll want to talk about them.” This ethos shines through in the film, which serves as a clarion call for a more nuanced conversation about safety, mental health, and the urgent need for societal change.
Despite its brevity, “Run, Hide, Fight” delivers a powerful message: the impact of gun violence transcends mere statistics; it fundamentally shapes the lives and futures of young Americans. Rodriguez expressed a desire for a more extensive series, stating, “I am personally in favor of a series being brought to the forefront.” He reflected on the challenges of the editing process, lamenting the loss of a personal interview with his mother that, while cut, offered profound insights into the impact of gun violence on families. “I think I got a better understanding of my mom, and that’s why I think having these conversations/interviews are so important,” he shared.
“Run, Hide, Fight: Growing Up Under the Gun” is an essential viewing experience confronting a pressing issue head-on. While it may leave audiences yearning for more in-depth exploration, it undeniably succeeds in framing gun violence as a critical issue that demands our attention and action. Reflecting on those growing up under such harrowing circumstances, we are reminded of our collective responsibility to advocate for change and support the next generation. Rodriguez’s commitment to activism and media education hints at a promising future where youth voices are prioritized in the conversations that matter, ensuring their stories are told and heard.