Hello Belinda, your reflective piece on the complexities of friendships resonates deeply, especially in today's hyper-connected yet often superficial social landscape. It’s interesting to consider how the advent of social media has transformed the nature of friendships; studies show that our online interactions can sometimes lead us to maintain a larger circle of acquaintances while diluting the quality of deeper connections. This phenomenon can create a sense of loneliness in a digital world that promises connection, as highlighted in a 2020 study by Keles et al., which suggests a correlation between social media use and increased feelings of isolation among young adults. Your acknowledgment of the pain and beauty found in these friendships mirrors the struggle many face today. It might also be worthwhile to explore how communal storytelling, like your film project, can serve as a healing mechanism and a way to foster understanding and growth among friendships—perhaps emphasizing the importance of creating spaces where such dialogues can flourish in our communities.