Community Voices is a social issue documentary film program which links Chapman University documentary film students with Orange-County based organizations. Each semester, groups of students produce short character-driven portrait films that highlight causes the partner organizations aim to serve. The films are then used in the outreach and fundraising campaigns of these organizations, and are distributed via PBS broadcast, online streaming, educational distributors, and festival release. Community Voices films have won numerous festival awards and accolades, and have been seen by tens of thousands of television viewers in Southern California.

Please join us as we celebrate these students and partner organizations. The screening will be followed by a Q & A with the filmmakers and a reception featuring a TACO BAR!

If youc an’t make it in person, you can also watch the event, complete with introduction from the faculty and filmmaker Q&As, on our live streaming page.  Check out the trailer for the event:

 

The films and organizations highlighted in this semester’s lineup include:

 THE BLUE EDGE, by Ruby Stocking, Jose Tadeu Bijos, Michael Barth, Pasqual Gutierrez

Filmed entirely underwater, The Blue Edge tells the story of an ocean photographer– and poet– who has found spiritual salvation under the sea.

Partner Organization: Surfrider 

 SEBASTIAN, by Katie Valovcin, Kellie Henika, and Dan Duran

A fascinating look into the life of Sebastian, a blind teenager who navigates via echolocation, the same technique that bats use for navigation.

Partner Organizations: Blind Children’s Learning Center and World Access for the Blind

BREATHE LIFE, by Samantha Andre, Carly Berryhill , Matt Jekowsky

This film tells the tale of a family whose 3 out of 5 children are diagnosed with the fatal disease cystic fibrosis.

Partner Organization: The Mauli Ola Foundation

A PART OF ME, by Jessica Deutchman, Nathan Flanagan-Frankl, and Rachel Kellogg

This courageous personal journey explores whether a family can rebuild itself after a divorce.

Partner Organization: Kids First

IN HER BOOTS, by Catherine Wharton, Stephen Erdmann, Charlie Cook, and Erin Lim

In Her Boots looks at the life of one army as she musters the strength to keep her family together during wartime.

Partner Organizations: Military Children’s Charity and Hire Heroes USA with assistance from Kyndra Rotunda and AMVETS

IN THE SHADOWS, by Danny Zeff, Max Miller, Drew Heskett

A look at the experience of living in the United States as an undocumented immigrant, living life in the shadows.

Partner Organization: Project Access

 

The screening is at Dodge College, 283 North Cypress Street, Orange, CA 92866. On street parking is available. No RSVP necessary. Contact rubin@chapman.edu with questions.

 

Please join our FACEBOOK GROUP for the event!

 

With many thanks to The Dhont Family Foundation for their generous support of the Community Voices initiative.