“What can we do to better ourselves and our communities? Who can we learn from and turn to for inspiration when all hope feels lost?” These profound questions are at the heart of “A Walk In Her Shoes,” the debut documentary film by filmmakers Metra Lundy and Selina Mara Garcia. This compelling film, directed by the talented Selina Benz (Selina Mara Garcia), centers on Metra Lundy’s transformative journey as she retraces a 695-mile path inspired by her hero, Harriet Tubman. Tubman, a beacon of courage, famously walked this route in the 1800s to escape enslavement and guide countless others to freedom.
While the physical journey is significant, “A Walk In Her Shoes” delves deeper into the emotional and introspective paths undertaken by both Metra and Selina. Metra, a seasoned professional coach, speaker, and author, seeks personal transformation by emulating the resilience of inspirational women, particularly Harriet Tubman. Interwoven with Metra’s story is that of Selina Benz, the film’s director, whose own journey navigating the complexities of U.S. citizenship mirrors the arduous path of Harriet Tubman and those seeking freedom. Together, they embark on a quest for something greater, uncovering powerful truths about history, themselves, and the inspiring individuals they encounter along the way.
This documentary implicitly asks another vital question: “What can’t women achieve?” Through their film, Metra and Selina Benz not only document a historical journey but also challenge contemporary audiences to reflect on their own potential and the enduring power of resilience.
The Genesis of an Inspiring Film: An Interview with Metra Lundy and Selina Benz
In an insightful interview, Metra Lundy, the creator and producer, and Selina Benz, the director of “A Walk In Her Shoes,” shed light on the film’s origins and the profound impact of this journey.
12TH STREET: Metra, as the creator and producer, and Selina, as the director, can you explain the core concept of “A Walk in Her Shoes” for those unfamiliar with the film?
METRA LUNDY: “’A Walk in Her Shoes’ is fundamentally about a woman’s journey of self-discovery inspired by her heroine. I embarked on a walk mirroring Harriet Tubman’s routes on the Underground Railroad. Harriet’s legacy became my guiding light, helping me navigate a challenging period in my life. By physically walking a part of her journey, I sought to emulate her strength and resilience. For those who may not know, Harriet Tubman was a pivotal conductor on the Underground Railroad. She bravely escaped enslavement herself and then dedicated her life to helping others find freedom from the South.”
12TH STREET: Metra, what sparked this ambitious walk, and how did you arrive at this significant decision?
LUNDY: “In 2017, I faced a major turning point, a significant identity shift. It felt like a moment of sink or swim. This walk became my way of choosing to swim. Following a health scare and personal life changes, I found myself seeking solace and inspiration. Harriet Tubman has always been a source of strength for me. Her story, her power, resonated deeply. In a time of healing and seeking to overcome a low point, I turned to Harriet Tubman. A vivid dream about her solidified my decision to undertake this journey.”
12TH STREET: Selina, how did you become involved in this deeply personal project with Metra?
SELINA MARA GARCIA (Selina Benz): “My involvement began unexpectedly. I initially met Metra as a student at her studio, seeking classes. At the time, I was looking for work and noticed she was hiring administrative staff. I applied, thinking it was a good opportunity, unrelated to film. During our conversations, I mentioned my film certificate from Rutgers. This sparked Metra’s interest as she was looking for someone to create promotional videos for her studio. When the idea for the walk emerged, Metra was already aware of my skills. My involvement wasn’t planned from the outset. Metra was determined to do the walk, and initially, I was taken aback. But her conviction was so strong that I joined her, and it evolved from there.”
12TH STREET: Before this journey and film, what role did Harriet Tubman and her profound legacy play in both of your lives?
LUNDY: “Growing up, my family made sure we were aware of African American role models. However, Harriet Tubman’s story always resonated most powerfully with me, sometimes more intensely at different life stages. As a mother of two daughters, I made sure to connect them with her story. When my youngest was eleven, I took her to the Harriet Tubman home. While Tubman is a figure often discussed in schools and was in my home, her story has consistently returned to me during pivotal moments. In my lowest moments, her stories are a source of comfort. I gravitate towards her because I imagine she faced countless low points and emerged stronger. If Harriet could overcome such adversity, I believed I could find my own path forward.”
Navigating Challenges: Emotional Depths and Logistical Hurdles
12TH STREET: What were the most significant challenges you encountered during this walk and while creating the film?
LUNDY: “I underestimated the emotional depth of this undertaking. I prepared physically for the 245 miles we walked (out of the total 695-mile journey), but the emotional aspect was profound. Spending extended periods in solitude brought a lot of grieving to the surface. I hadn’t anticipated confronting that level of emotion. Conversely, I was surprised by the sheer beauty of the walk itself. Traveling on foot allows for a deeper appreciation of the landscape. Walking through wildlife preserves and diverse cities, I was struck by the natural beauty surrounding us. It made me contemplate Tubman’s experiences and emotions. What must it have been like for her and other freedom seekers on foot? Beyond fear, how did they cope and manage their emotions? Reflecting on their emotional state during their journeys was an unexpected and impactful part of my experience. It became a period of emotional processing and grief.”
GARCIA (Selina Benz): “My challenges were different, focusing on logistics. I was responsible for ensuring we stayed on track, planning pedestrian-friendly routes, and managing camera equipment for just the two of us. Filming in these conditions was demanding. Later, during editing, the sheer volume of footage was overwhelming. The challenge was to weave it together in a way that not only told the story coherently but also resonated emotionally with viewers, inspiring them to take action in their own lives.”
12TH STREET: The film is incredibly inspiring. Metra, physically, what were some of the biggest obstacles you faced walking such distances daily?
LUNDY: “I underestimated the impact of heat during the day. I intentionally planned the journey for summer to avoid cold, unlike Tubman who traveled primarily in colder months for safety in the longer nights. We traveled during the day. While we had that luxury, the heat and sun were intense. Upon returning, I essentially slept for days. The sun and heat exhaustion were significant factors. I experienced sunburn and constant dehydration. There was a moment when Selina kindly suggested sunblock, and I resisted, reacting out of heat exhaustion, not my usual self.”
Layered Narratives: Emotional, Historical, and Personal
12TH STREET: Metra, you mentioned the journey being more emotional and mental than purely physical. Could you expand on why that was the case?
LUNDY: “The strength of our film, crafted with Selina and our editor Kathleen, lies in its layered narrative. It’s not just my personal journey, but also Selina’s perspective as an immigrant navigating her own challenges in America. Her experiences, though different, echo some of the emotions faced by freedom seekers. The historical layer is crucial too. Hearing from historians provided a deeper, more truthful understanding of history. Often, history books offer brief mentions of Harriet Tubman, perhaps a paragraph about her role in the Underground Railroad. We might miss the profound significance of a 27-year-old woman, like Tubman, escaping enslavement and choosing to leave everything familiar behind to forge a different path. In the 1840s, women lacked basic rights; they couldn’t own land or vote. Yet, Tubman achieved incredible feats, freeing herself and countless others. She became a leader in New York City, working with abolitionists and even engaging with political figures, acquiring land for herself and her family. Her accomplishments as a woman during that era are extraordinary. Engaging so closely with her story was deeply emotional. It deepened my appreciation for her and highlighted the progress our country has made while also underscoring the work still needed. It prompted self-reflection: ‘Where do I begin to contribute? How do I work towards progress without feeling overwhelmed?’ It starts with personal development and self-care, and then fighting for causes that matter, as Harriet Tubman did throughout her life. Her life’s work was clear to her. Reflecting on our heroes helps define our own desired legacies and how we can positively impact our families and communities. I hope viewers connect with this film on a personal level and apply its lessons to their own lives, regardless of the scale.”
12TH STREET: Selina, a particularly moving part of the film is when you discuss your family’s immigration status and how it prevented you from completing the trek in Canada. You also spoke about the unexpected emotional impact of this journey. Can you elaborate on your experiences and learnings?
GARCIA (Selina Benz): “At the time of filming, my family was undergoing the immigration process. (Update: thankfully, everything is resolved now.) It was striking to see parallels between the experiences of freedom seekers and the hurdles within the immigration system. There are so many obstacles to overcome simply to be recognized and participate fully in this country. It was emotionally taxing. As someone who isn’t Black or white, you can sometimes feel excluded from the dominant narratives. You have to actively seek ways to empathize. This journey provided clarity and revealed deeper connections to these historical struggles. It illuminated avenues for empathy and understanding.”
Connecting with Legacy and History
12TH STREET: Metra, a highlight was your meeting with a descendant of Harriet Tubman. What was that experience like?
LUNDY: “It was truly one of the best days of my life. Surpassing milestones like marriage, children, buying a home – this day felt profoundly different. It felt like the universe aligning to give me exactly what I emotionally needed. It affirmed that I was on the right path and that my struggles had purpose. Meeting Pauline and her family, understanding their history, recalling conversations with historian Kate Clifford Larson, who meticulously researched the Tubman family tree, and then hearing Pauline’s personal stories – it all made Harriet Tubman’s legacy tangible and deeply relevant. It was a perfect day, one I will always cherish.”
12TH STREET: The film also highlights the interconnectedness of history. What can we do, both societally and individually, to ensure these stories are not forgotten?
GARCIA (Selina Benz): “Rewriting textbooks is a crucial first step. Even seemingly unbiased texts carry inherent biases. Individually, being open to hearing diverse stories is vital. In homogenous communities, perspectives can be limited. Actively seeking out and listening to those with different experiences is essential for growth and understanding.”
LUNDY: “I wholeheartedly agree. White history is often integrated into everyday life in America, which isn’t always the case for non-white histories. For those in homogenous environments, consciously seeking out diverse histories and cultures is crucial for growth. Conversely, for non-white individuals, learning about diverse histories is often a necessity. Bridging this gap requires intentional effort from all. Film and books play a vital role in mass education. Our work, Sophia’s work as an interviewer, and Selina and my filmmaking, carries a responsibility to share these stories and their impact. Continuing the conversation, sharing our journeys and learnings is essential. Supporting organizations like The Socially Relevant Film Festival and utilizing various media – films, books, etc. – to share stories is paramount. We must continue to share, share, share our stories!”
How to Watch “A Walk In Her Shoes” and What’s Next
12TH STREET: Where can viewers watch “A Walk In Her Shoes”?
LUNDY: “Thanks to IndiePix, the film will be available on their Amazon Prime platform under IndiePix and as a DVD distributed to libraries, schools, and IndiePix partners. Amazon Prime is the primary platform to watch it.”
12TH STREET: Congratulations! What are your upcoming projects?
LUNDY: “Selina, Kathleen (our editor), and I are currently gathering stories of women. We aim to amplify these narratives with a layered approach, similar to ‘A Walk In Her Shoes’. My goal is to inspire reflection and learning. We are working on a documentary short featuring stories of extraordinary women who have impacted their families and communities, aiming for completion by the end of 2021.”
GARCIA (Selina Benz): “I’m excited to continue highlighting the extraordinary stories of everyday women. The women in our lives are often more remarkable than we realize.”
Connect with Metra Lundy on Instagram and Facebook. Find Selina Mara Garcia (Selina Benz) on Instagram and LinkedIn.
This interview has been edited for clarity.
