'All You Need Is Less' is a MY HERO International Film Festival Finalist

All You Need Is Less is a finalist at the 21st MY HERO International Film Festival. It is a powerful student-made documentary that pulls back the curtain on the fast fashion industry - an industry fueled by trends, driven by social media, and built on the invisible labor of women around the world. Created by three young filmmakers through Women’s Voices Now, this film challenges viewers to rethink their purchasing habits and sparks essential conversations about sustainability, empowerment, and justice.

The documentary unravels fast fashion’s hidden costs, tracing the impact of overconsumption from factory floors overseas to the “For You” pages of social media feeds. The film highlights how trends disproportionately target young women, who often feel pressured to keep up with constantly shifting styles driven by societal expectations.

All You Need is LessScreenshot

By revealing these overlooked consequences, the film makes one thing clear: everything comes at a price, and the future of fashion is in our hands. The mission of All You Need Is Less is to empower young girls to question their relationship with fast fashion and social media. It encourages them to look beyond convenience and low prices, and to understand how unsustainable clothing consumption harms people and the planet. Through thoughtful storytelling, the film inspires viewers to adopt more conscious, ethical habits.

The filmmakers envision a world where young people break free from fast fashion’s grip, reclaiming their choices and their identity from ever-changing trends. They hope that this film will shine a light on the disproportionate impact fast fashion has on women globally - from the workers who produce the clothes to the girls influenced by algorithm-driven trends.

About the Filmmakers

Adira Blades is a middle school student at Tomas Starr King Middle School in Downtown Los Angeles, Adira has always been fascinated by the magic of filmmaking. Alongside her passion for dancing—especially majorette style—she dreams of making films that change lives. In the future, she imagines exploring careers such as baking or nail artistry, but storytelling remains a deep inspiration.

Angelica Guillén is a rising junior at Stella High School and a first-generation Mexican-American student. Creative, dedicated, and driven, she is currently pursuing dual enrollment to graduate high school with an AA degree. Through Girls’ Voices Now, she draws inspiration from women in the film industry and hopes to create work that uplifts and motivates young women to spark meaningful social change.

Erin Dela Cruz is a rising senior at Nathaniel Narbonne High School, Erin balances academics with a wide range of creative interests, including reading, baking, scrapbooking, illustration, and writing. Her love for filmmaking began at a young age. As a 2024 Girls’ Voices Now participant, she aims to strengthen her voice and use her platform to speak up for those who cannot.

Action Kit

The directors have put together an Action Kit for educators, youth leaders, and viewers to deepen the conversation around the film.

Before Viewing the Film

• What does “fast fashion” mean to you?
• When buying clothes, are you aware of how or where they are produced?
• Have you seen any examples in the media showing the harms of overconsumption?
• Do you think about where your clothes come from—and where they go after you’re done with them?

After Viewing the Film

• In what ways might you have participated in overconsumption, and how can you change your habits?
• How does social media influence fast fashion culture?
• Has the film changed your perception of the fashion industry?

Calls to Action

• Think twice before purchasing from fast fashion brands.
• Research sustainable alternatives such as Depop, ThredUp, Poshmark, WearPact, Public Estrellas, Reformation, or Rent the Runway.
• Host a screening of the film to spark conversations with friends and inspire others.
• Explore your own sustainable fashion practices—thrifting, donating, repairing, or reusing.
• Discover your personal style rather than relying on fleeting trends.

To watch the film, go to: myhero.com/all-you-need-is-less

Women’s Voices Now uses film to drive social change that advances girls’ and women’s rights globally. Find out more: www.womensvoicesnow.org