One filmmaker’s exploration of natural light in California and its influence on the lives of those touched by this light.

After the outbreak of a full-scale war of Russia against Ukraine, the Ruslan Shostak Foundation carried out the largest evacuation of orphans since the Second World War. Rescued 1700 orphans from Ukraine, transporting them to Turkey. What do children dream of without parents? Where will they return after the war?

We Feed People spotlights chef José Andrés and his nonprofit World Central Kitchen’s evolution over a 12-year period, from being a scrappy group of volunteers to becoming one of the most highly regarded humanitarian aid organizations in the disaster relief sector.

This screening will be followed by a discussion with one of the executive producers, Restonian Nathan Mook

Glauber “Pro” Contessoto—an immigrant working multiple jobs and living in a 220-square-foot apartment—gambles his life savings on a joke cryptocurrency. Two months later, he becomes “The Dogecoin Millionaire” and a hero to his growing YouTube following.

It’s easy to get rich online. But as Pro will soon discover, it’s even easier to lose it all. Amateur investors like Pro must navigate a landscape that’s rife with scams, bad advice, and a fear of missing out. THIS IS NOT FINANCIAL ADVICE exposes the startling risks and rewards of today’s market through expert commentary and the anxiety-inducing stories of real people trying to make millions.

In 2016, the League of American Orchestras conducted a study that revealed a shocking statistic: only 1.8% of the professional orchestra workforce in the US is Black. From an old church rec room in the inner city of Los Angeles, former lawyer-turned-conductor Chuck Dickerson is on a mission to change that.

Through ICYOLA – The Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles, — the largest majority Black orchestra in the country — Chuck is creating life-changing opportunities for his community that did not previously exist.

MAX ROACH: THE DRUM ALSO WALTZES explores the life and music of the legendary drummer, composer, bandleader, and social activist through a remarkable series of creative peaks, struggles, and personal reinventions—from the Jim Crow era to the Civil Rights years, surveying the heady days of post-war modern jazz to hip hop and beyond.

Love her or hate her, almost everyone has a Barbie story. Even if they don’t have a story, there’s a story as to why they don’t have a story. In this film, we tell the story behind the first Black Barbie, because yes, she has a story too. It started with the filmmaker’s 83-year old aunt, Beulah Mae Mitchell and a seemingly simple question, “Why not make a Barbie that looks like me?”

To keep their culture and community intact, Yup’ik residents of Newtok, Alaska must relocate their entire village to stable ground upriver, becoming some of America’s first climate change refugees.

*Preceded by the short animation, Cool for You, with filmmaker in attendance for Q&A following both films.

After suffering a miscarriage in prison due to shackling, Pamela Winn becomes an inspiring activist, leading millions to support the Dignity Bill and her mission to end shackling and prison birth.

Impact // Filmmaker’s Voice

We hope audiences empathize and feel moved by this crucial human rights issue through Pamela Winn’s compelling personal story. We hope audiences feel inspired by Pamela’s story of resilience, strength and ultimate triumph and by the power one person can have in shaping laws that forward justice and dignity. We also hope audiences feel stirred to become advocates in their own right: to vote people into office who care about and will fight to pass laws protecting incarcerated pregnant people.

Pamela is actively working in states across the country to enhance the lives of directly impacted women. You can support Pamela’s work through her non-profit organization RestoreHER: www.restoreher.us

The story of a group of pilots dedicated to keeping alive the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen while pursuing their dreams of becoming professional aviators and inspiring the black community to change the racial imbalance in aviation.

Impact // Filmmaker’s Voice

Relationships provide answers. There is opportunity everywhere if we are willing to see the world through a different lens. We encourage the audience to visit Tuskegee and meet the pilots. Take a flight and see history from the air!