Film
Living Harriet Tubman
Living Harriet Tubman chronicles the story of Nancy Whittle, a Fresno woman who has spent thirty years performing as Harriet Tubman at contentious Civil War reenactments across California. As she nears the end of her 30-year reenacting journey, she enlists her community to stage a final performance—one that not only honors Tubman’s legacy but also tells her own life’s journey.
STREET SMART: Lessons from a TV Icon
STREET SMART: Lessons from a TV Icon is a feature documentary about Sonia Manzano — known to millions as “Maria” from Sesame Street. The film follows Sonia’s remarkable journey, from a young girl in the South Bronx finding refuge in television, to becoming the first Latina on American TV in a regular role, through 44 years on screen on Sesame Street, and now as the creator of Alma’s Way. Featuring interviews with luminaries, original animation, and scripted scenes that blend humor and heart, this inspirational documentary invites viewers to learn once again from this beloved icon. Written & Directed by [...]
Northern Lights Re-Release
Winner of the 1979 Camera d'Or, Northern Lights, a unique work of political cinema from the late 1970s, dramatizes small North Dakotan wheat farmers' political struggle against the bankers and railroad magnates pushing them into bankrupcy. Two young lovers get swept up in the turmoil surrounding the formation of the populist Nonpartisan League in the mid-1910's. Shot on location in black-and-white 16mm with a cast of nonprofessional actors, this deeply moving, politically committed film is a masterpiece of American independent cinema. The 4K digital restoration of Northern Lights was created by IndieCollect and Metropolis Post in collaboration with directors John [...]
Object Permanence
Psychologist Jean Piaget’s concept of OBJECT PERMANENCE involves the understanding that people and things still exist even when you can't see or hear them. It is a key milestone in human cognitive development. The short sci-fi film OBJECT PERMANENCE explores the complexities of the human psyche and plays with the idea of presence. Life is transformed for best friends Drexciya and Echo when Drexciya’s employer, the California Aeronautics and Space Agency (CASA), reveals that it now possesses an interstellar object that has reached Earth. Echo finally finds the fulfillment he’s so desperate for in a connection with Drexciya’s colleague, Jency; [...]
Beyond the Gap
Beyond the Gap is a documentary that explores the educational achievement gap existing between young African-American males and other American students. Grandville Taylor, Deshon Smith and Raysean Jones, graduates of Washington High School in the San Francisco Unified School District, share their empowering stories of success to inspire other young African-American men and students of color to successfully overcome the achievement gap. This film will also provide possible solutions for educators, administrators, community members and families to eliminate the gap in educational opportunity.
End of Isolation
In the summer of 2022, 9 people embarked on a 2-month national tour to perform The BOX, a critically acclaimed play about prison resistance. In following this journey, the documentary also dives deep into the lives of visionary thought leaders and communities on the frontlines of reimagining justice across our country. If we think beyond prisons, what are we building in their place?
Black Is Blue
BLACK IS BLUE is set in dystopian Oakland, where an ex-techie trans woman uses pirated AI technology to control a young trans lover, but their love and revenge plot against a DNA-harvesting corporation unravels, leading to a tragic end for all. Against the dystopian backdrop of another Bay Area tech boom gone bust, this is an erotic tale of a black trans couple brought together by technology. Their tragic love story is witnessed by a bot who stands by — eager to learn and protect— until it is transformed by them. Epic in presentation, taut and tense in character and [...]
Follow the Light
In 1969, 8th grader Adam Haas got his hands on some used video equipment and shot a film about his classmates. Forty-eight years later Haas is returning to his filmmaker roots to track down his original subjects, to find out where they are now and what happened to them along the way. In discussing what has brought meaning to their lives – along with the disasters, the regrets, and the joys— they reveal the impact of the shared educational experience that brought them together in the first place.
Growing up in America: Life After the Taliban
After narrowly escaping from Taliban-controlled Afghanistan in August 2021, 9 year old Masoma and her family begin a new life in Sacramento, California. Growing up in America: Life After the Taliban, is an intimate documentary following her family’s journey of building home after war.
Henrietta The Dragon Slayer
In a desolate high desert battlefield, Franc, a knight far from home, vanishes after being plagued by nightmares. His friend and a valiant, decorated war veteran, Henrietta discovers clues that lead her to a treacherous cliffside cave and a menacing chimera. Henrietta confronts the creature to rescue Franc, but can’t succeed with force alone. She must trust in her magical necklace if she wants to have a fighting chance. If you’d like to show your support for the Henrietta Film through other means reach out to Beth Barany here at bethbarany@gmail.com
