Budding Filmmakers Take On the Roles Of Expert, Advocate

"Can you believe these tall ships once traveled up the Anacostia?" Rinita asked, amazement in her voice as she peered into a camera.

In the District, the effort to restore the waterfront has gotten a boost from the Anacostia Waterfront Corp., which has a 25-year plan to rejuvenate areas along the river. Among the major projects is the new Washington Nationals baseball stadium rising in Southeast. At Poplar Point, there are plans to erect a soccer stadium, shops and housing -- development that some students said could lead to longtime residents being displaced.

"Some people said they don't need to put up new housing because most black people won't be able to afford it, and they are going to be kicking people out of their homes," said Joniqua Hutchinson, 13, Rinita's sister and a student at Jefferson Junior High School in Southwest. "I kind of feel the same."

Hopkins, a 2005 graduate of Friendship-Edison Collegiate Academy, decided the new baseball stadium is a waste. "I think that's preposterous," he said of the city's $611 million investment in the site.

Hopkins is looking forward to the film's debut.

"It's my time to shine," he said, "to let people know I helped to clean up the community."

A preview of the documentary can be seen athttp://www.mmtidc.org/watch.