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Know How
Know How captures the reality of life in foster care from the point of view. It’s not a documentary or fiction. It’s a hybrid approach to creating social change. Instead of professional writers and actors, these stories are written and performed by a cast of youth in foster care. Know How is a musical that brings authentic voices and unseen stories to the screen.
Why this film?
Our foster care system doesn’t work, and few know the human cost of its dysfunction. A few years after aging out of foster care, only 50% of young people will complete high school or a GED, 60% will be convicted of a crime, 75% will receive public assistance, and only 6% will complete a college degree. A system producing these results needs to change.
Synopsis
A film written and acted by foster care youth ripped from the stories of their lives. In this tale about transience and perseverance, five youth’s worlds interweave as they confront loss, heartbreak, and come of age.
Social Impact
Goals
- To give voice to these untold stories and create a better future for foster care youth.
- To get thousands more people involved in their lives and futures.
- To take the film to cities nationwide and host screenings at foster care agencies and schools.
- Empower youth by seeing their peers achieve excellence and catalyze change.
Results
To raise foster care youths’ voices for change, the Know How campaign has:
- Reached over 1 million people.
- Affected legislative change in California.
- Collected more than 21,000 signatures on dedicated foster care petitions and pledges.
- Garnered 18K visits to Know How’s foster care editorial series.
Cast
At the heart of this film is a foster care cast: Deshawn Brown, Niquana Clark, Michael Kareem Dew, Gabrielle Garcia, Gilbert Howard, Claribelle Pagan, and Ebonee Simpson. They all have remarkable stories of loss and hope. They all are deeply committed to making a difference for other youth in care.
Reviews
Press
LOS ANGELES TIMES
‘Know How’ a powerful take on real-life teens in foster care
NEW YORK TIMES
Review: In ‘Know How’ Teenagers Portray Their Plight in Foster Care
TODAY
Behind the scenes of ‘Know How’ the film that gives a new face to foster youth
CYNOPSIS
2016 Social Good Awards Winners
CYNOPSIS
Foster youth musical film “Know How” pursues social justice
TRIBECA FILM INSTITUTE
Two Projects Win Indiewire’s Project of the Year
INDIEWIRE
It’s a Tie! Congrats to Indiewire’s 2 Projects of the Year: ‘Sleepwalkers’ and ‘Know How’
INDIEWIRE
11 Project of the Day Success Stories: Read and Be Inspired
INDIEWIRE
Congrats to ‘Know How,’ June’s Project of the Month!
MONTREAL RAMPAGE
Know How: Five Young Survivors Make a Film
501DERFUL ORG
Cause-Driven Film: An Interview with Juan Carlos
WAMC NORTHEAST PUBLIC RADIO
Rob Edelman: Summer Movies And More
CUNY TV: INDEPENDENT SOURCES
The Debate
VARIETY
Cinequest Fest Blends High Tech With Cinematic Arts
HUFFINGTON POST
Foster Care Youth: We Are Everyone & No One’s Responsibility
SIRIUS XM: HIP HOP NATION
Renada Romain in Conversation with Director of Know How
CHILDREN’S RIGHTS
Film Brings Foster Care Stories to Life
COMPASSIONING
Do You ‘Know How’?
THE HOT PINK PEN
Know How Movie Review
MOCKINGBIRD SOCIETY
Know How: A Power Portrayal
MANHATTAN YOUNG DEMOCRAT
“Know How” A Film About the Foster Care System
MANHATTAN YOUNG DEMOCRATS
Interview with Director of Know How
CHRONICLE FOR SOCIAL CHANGE
Know How to Make a Difference? Watch “Know How”
THE OPERATING SYSTEM
Awesome Creators: An Interview with Know How’s Director
FOSTER FOCUS MAGAZINE
Know How Movie Review
POPCORN AND VODKA
Juan Carlos Pineiro Escoriaza, Director: KNOW HOW
MAKING THE MOVIE
Only Connect: An Interview with Juan Carlos Pineiro Escoriaza
CATAPULTA
Agents of Change
Awards
INDIEWIRE
Project of the Year: Know How
NEW YORK CITY INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Best NYC Feature Film: Know How
EUGENE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Best Youth Theme Feature Film: Know How
HARLEM INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Spotlight Award: Know How
MADRID INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Best Actress: Know How
CYNOPSIS: SOCIAL GOOD AWARDS
Best Branded TV Campaign: Know How
GARDEN STATE FILM FESTIVAL
Broader Vision Award: Know How
CANADA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Award of Excellence: Know How
COMMUNICATOR AWARDS
Award of Distinction: Know How
INDIEFEST FILM AWARDS
Award of Excellence: Know How
NEPTUNE TOWNSHIP, NEW JERSEY
Certificate of Appreciation: Know How
Hi, I’m
Juan Carlos
I’m a creator at heart, a filmmaker by instinct, and a polymath who thrives on diversity. My life’s work is about framing: capturing, exploring, and sometimes breaking conventional boundaries to uncover deeper truths.
My Story
From directing award-winning films to leading product innovation at startups, my career spans the creative and the analytical. I’ve authored children’s books under desert skies, each designed to spark curiosity and independent thought in young minds. Whether through technology that simplifies complex issues or through mental models that enhance clarity, I constantly strive to reimagine how we perceive and interact with the world.
In my personal life, I’m a father fascinated by nature and humanity’s marvels. I share this wonder with my children as we explore the world’s beauty together. Every day offers a new frame, reminding us that what we focus on defines our lives’ story.