Céline Roustan
High school students often have so many bottled-up, confusing feelings that they rarely express, let alone have the proper forum in which to do so. In Quaker, with a charming approach rooted in kindness and honesty, writer/director Giovanna Molina crafts a narrative that recreates the raw intimacy of the last Quaker meeting for seniors on the verge of graduation.
“I started to reflect upon this period of my life and the particularity of a Quaker education”
Before going any further, it is worth briefly explaining what a Quaker school is for those unfamiliar. While Quakerism originated as a branch of Christianity, where values such as community, equality, peace, and integrity are central, Quaker schools often have students and faculty members who do not necessarily identify as Quakers, but align with the education system and its values.
A common practice within these schools is the Quaker Meeting, during which everyone sits in silence for an hour, and at any given moment someone can stand and share anything that’s on their mind to the rest of the community, as they sit and listen. “Speaking your mind, or speaking ‘truth to power,’ was encouraged”, Molina explained.
“We shot in Brooklyn, in the actual Quaker meeting house I grew up attending, and some of my former classmates, teachers, and neighbors appear in the film” – Molina on the production of Quaker.
Molina actually attended one of these schools herself, and sat through many of these meetings. After graduation, she realized how powerful those moments actually were on multiple levels. “At the time, I took for granted how unique our Wednesday meetings were, but with many years of distance from high school, I started to reflect upon this period of my life and the particularity of a Quaker education”, she confessed.
Having a time dedicated to self-reflection on a weekly basis, and a safe space to express oneself feels particularly unique – especially at that age – and often leads to insightful and poignant moments. “With this film, I aimed to document the power of meeting within the context of a coming-of-age narrative and share it with those unfamiliar with Quaker practices”, Molina added.
Written with Louisa Grenham, who went to the same school, the screenplay’s authenticity is undeniable. Every single line is filled with an angst and disarming honesty that anyone will be able to relate to. While the situation is specific, the feelings expressed are universal for anyone on the precipice of adulthood and beyond. The dialogue, camera movements, and pacing work together to create a sense of intimacy that invites the viewer to sit down and take part in the meeting.
S/W alum Allegra Leguizamo (L) stars in front of the camera in Quaker
The writing here is clever though, with the perfect balance of vulnerability and humor. With DP Vittoria Campaner, the film is shot in a very naturalistic way; the framing and the choice to use black and white allow us to focus on what is being said, and how it is received. Editor Danielle Criqui shapes the material to orchestrate a perfect rhythm, effectively conveying the lived experience of attending the meeting.
At first glance, some might mistake Quaker for a documentary, while others might have spotted S/W alum Allegra Leguizamo (Flash Warning) in the cast. The ensemble Molina and her team built carries a very compelling energy throughout the film, giving it an immersive dimension. Most of us will likely never have attended a Quaker meeting, yet this film makes that experience feel familiar and just like the director, it has us yearning for a space where you are able to speak your truth in such a supportive arena.
Quaker had its World Premiere at the 2025 edition of the Berlinale in the Generation section. Ahead of its online premiere today, it hit the 2025 festival circuit and was awarded Best Narrative Short at Bend. Molina is currently working on her feature debut Kismet, which is already in production.