Waiting for Tearah

A Connecticut family struggles to navigate America’s mental health care system.

mother, father who is holding photo of daughter, and two daughters
Funding Initiative
Diversity Development Fund
Headshot of woman
Director & Producer

Juliana Schatz Preston

Juliana Schatz Preston is a Colombian-American filmmaker. Her directorial debut, Los Comandos, was shortlisted for the 2019 Academy Awards. Her work has been supported by ITVS, FRONTLINE, Firelight Media, PGA Create, Women in Film Emerging Producers Program, and Film Independent’s Fast Track.

Other ITVS Films
Providencia

We fund untold stories for public media.

Learn more about funding opportunities with ITVS.

The Film

At 16, Tearah, who suffers from mental illness, remains stuck in a hospital month after month, as her mother struggles to navigate America’s mental health care system. As Shayna, a single parent of three girls, fights to get Tearah residential treatment, she faces the possibility of losing her home and even custody of her daughter.

Topics