The Bay Area is full of moving stories that embody the mission of GLIDE, which is to create a radically inclusive, just and loving community mobilized to alleviate suffering and break the cycles of poverty and marginalization. The GLIDE Legacy Committee has selected a few documentary short films that beautifully reflect GLIDE's values and message, which are rooted in transformation, empathy, and inclusion.
We invite you to join us for an exciting, thought-provoking evening of documentary shorts, filmed and produced by local artists, that demonstrate the resilience and grace of the human spirit. Drinks and light refreshments will be available.
Doors open at 6:30 pm
Program: 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Q&A with filmmakers: 8:30 – 9:00 pm
To learn more about the GLIDE Legacy Committee, please visit glide.org/legacycomittee
THE FILMS:
“Tender Souls”
Brenton Gieser
"Tender Souls" is a short documentary about three Tenderloin residents that live vastly different lives in the same square mile and yet share a common history of pain and struggle. The film unearths the story of a man who has struggled with homelessness and addiction on the streets of the Tenderloin for the last 20 years, a mother and daughter making due in 300 square foot apartment all while navigating the unsettling nature of the neighborhood, and a community leader who prevailed from a life marred by death, addiction and illness to now serving as a public leader in the community.
“City Under Siege”
Ken Fisher
"City Under Siege" is a short documentary about a radical new effort to reinvent policing in a fight against institutional racism. Office of Neighborhood Safety is a controversial program that pays the most dangers "killers "of Richmond not to kill. This story offers deeper insight into a visionary approach to heal and rebuild underserved communities.
"Last Day of Freedom"
Dee Hibbert-Jones and Nomi Talisman
When Bill Babbitt realizes his brother Manny has committed a crime he agonizes over his decision- should he call the police? "Last Day of Freedom," a richly animated personal narrative, tells the story of Bill’s decision to stand by his brother in the face of war, crime and capital punishment. The film is a portrait of a man at the nexus of the most pressing social issues of our day – veterans’ care, mental health access and criminal justice.
“Brunch Under the Bridge”
Ken Fisher
"Brunch Under The Bridge" is a short documentary about a radical listening event developed to spur a shift in consciousness around the issue of homelessness. This is a story of a community gathering hosted as an opportunity to connect unhoused (homeless) residents currently living under the 101/Cesar Chavez bridge in San Francisco. The focus was on cultivating relationships between two distinctly different groups. The story takes quite a turn when this event meets opposition from a segment of the community who is opposed to these humanitarian efforts.
“Free to Laugh”
Lara Everly and Elease Lui Stemp
"Free to Laugh" is short doc directed by Lara Everly and produced by Elease Lui Stemp. Everly and Stemp collaborated with the Amity Foundation, which houses women on parole and probation to help prevent recidivism. They organized a three-day comedy workshop – teaching improv and stand up – culminating in a show for friends and family. These women channeled years of pain, guilt and incarceration into writing their own stand up material, healing through laughter and propelling themselves into the present moment through improvisation. Humor is truly a way to cope and to bring our inner shadows into the light.