API RISE
LIFT in collaboration with API RISE, ran a summer workshop where members could learn how to use film as a medium to tell their stories.
API RISE Mission & Vision
API RISE works to support freedom and opportunity for people who are currently or formerly incarcerated, youth, families in tough situations, and the communities around them. Through education, support, and advocacy, they help people build power and create real change. They believe in a compassionate community where people support and work toward a future where everyone has the chance to thrive.
Our Collaboration
LIFT came out of a collaboration with API RISE, with the goal of creating a space where people, especially those whose voices are often overlooked, could learn creative and technical skills. The idea was to make filmmaking more accessible and use it as a way for people to share real experiences from their own lives. At its core, LIFT is about lifting people up, giving them the support and confidence to express themselves. It’s not just about making films, but about building community and creating something meaningful together.
Billy
Billy tackles his troubled past through self-reflection and discovers what it means to call a place home.
Billy reflects on his film “Home is Here” and realizes the amount of work it takes to direct a film.
Kanaka
Kanaka explores the intersections between cultures through the one thing that connects us all, food.
Kanaka emphasizes her purpose in creating “We Pho With It,” creating a spotlight on local communities and establishing solidarity.
Alokai
Is it a bird? Is it a plane? It’s Captain Ice Crusher with a message on protecting our community against dark governmental forces.
Alokai reflects on his experience as a director and why it was important to make “The Rise of Captain Ice Crusher.”
Casey
For Casey, Film is more than a hobby…
Casey reflects on his short “Gears” and promises to continue to chase his passion.
Tin
Tin shares his story on how his Tatt Thang Tattoo Studio came into fruition.
Tin shares his story on how his Tatt Thang Tattoo Studio came into fruition.
Thaisan
Thaisan struggles with a question he often asks himself, “Why are you here?”
Thaisan dives into his experience directing his film, “This is why I’m here.”
Chris
Chris discovers his second chance in life and takes some time to remember the moment he earned his freedom.
Chris gives an insight on what Redo: Second Breath is about and reflects on his experience directing his story.
Peter
Peter shares vulnerable moments of his life in a medium that matters to him, a poem.
Peter shares his experience directing his film “Breaking Through.”
About Us
Training
Through every stage of the film making process, we are hands on. Trainees are able to learn important film techniques that help develop their creative sensibility.
Support
We offer a strong support system for filmakers of all types and abilities. We find pride in our guidance and resources that give you the encourgaement to succeed in the filmmmaking world.
Community
Our ever-expanding community consists of filmmakers of all types, working across different styles and diciplines. Our community reflects the diverse and inclusive stories that are told through each project.
Camera Rolling: Nepal
Empowering Women
The Nepal Project's goal was to provide women in Nepal the set of skills to tell their own stories. By learning how to create these stories, these women can use film as a tool to shape narratives of their experiences.
Developing Filmmmaking Skills
Workshops provided hands on learning for these women to learn the technical abilities of filmmaking, creating opportunites for them in the future.
Local Creatives
By teaching the women to become filmmakers and storytellers, they strengthen their local community, establishing a strong foundation for their stories.
Cultural Collaboration
LIFT and the women of the Nepal Project harbored significant cross cultural collaboration, creating a sense of deep understanding of Nepal culture and gaining new perspective on social issues.
Promoting Gender Equality
The Nepal Project helps challange the gender norms in Nepal about who can be a filmmaker and whos stories can be told.
Social Change Through Film
Using film as a tool for change is the strong purpose of the Nepal Project. These women are able to bring awareness to a wider audience by using the art of film to inspire social impact.
The Meztli Projects
Students enrolled in the immersive “Subversive Art and Media” collaborated with The Meztli Projects, an Indigenous Arts Organization centering community-based work, based in Montebello, CA. Oxy students were teamed with an Artist Fellow working under the auspices of Meztli Project Fellowships to advance their art practices. Each team completed a short video introducing their artist fellow and Electronic Press Kit. All materials were created, shot, edited and written by students in collaboration with their Artist Fellows. At the conclusion of the project, all materials (including original video and audio footage, b-roll material, finished videos, as well as the EPK were duplicated so that both Meztli Projects and Occidenta would have access to all materials for future projects and publicity.
Isaac Michael Ybarra
Issac Michael Ybarra is an artist and a creative who traces his ancestry to the Santa Monica Mountains. He describes how film making is a form of theater and how this applies not only to his work, but the inspiration for others and their connection to the environment.
Nicholas Hummingbird
Author and plant activist Nicholas Hummingbird talks about his inspiration for his children’s book Can You Hear the Plants Speak?: his son and the identity he develops connecting with the native Californian plants. His commitment to further preserving the world for his son is reflected through Hahamongna Gardens, a native plant nursery founded by Hummingbird.
Lorene Sisquoc
Lorene Sisquoc is the Curator of the Sherman Indian Museum and the Culture Traditions Leader of Sherman Indian High School, who has immersed herself into the culture of basket weaving. From a young age, she seeked to pick up the bits and pieces of knowledge passed down from family. She mentions the process of keeping this knowledge alive in the surrounding communities.
Emilia Cruz
Emilia Cruz, visual artist, outlines her form of artwork to her grandfather, who was a sculptor. She describes the re-connection of ancestry through art and how it honors those before her as she journeys into the world of ceramics.
ThundrOne
ThundrOne finds himself creating the works of a muralist and a graffiti artist in order to heal communities. He speaks on how his past influences the current murals he is commissioned to design and the impact it will induce on younger generations.
Antonio Mejia
Antonio Mejia has been in the tattoo industry as a youth to now. He currently focuses on cover-ups for those who have tuned their lives around. He touches upon the stories of clients as well as the techniques that go into cover up tattoos.
Xela de la X
Founder of Ovarian Psycos, Xela de la X, addresses her vision for the position women will hold in their communities amongst the current violence.
Zora Zajiček
Zora Zajiček is an artist, curator, and art historian who traces her artistic roots to her Czech background. She describes how the creative women in her life influence her to tie folklore and history into her multitude of mediums.
The Sidewalk Project
Empowerment
The Sidewalk Project showcases the leadership of those who have lived experiences. Investing into the arts creates space for connection and innovation.
Advocacy
We fight to push against the stigma of homelessness and sex work, aiming to change the sociatal narrative.
Arts & Culture
The heart and the origin of The Sidewalk Project, we are able to remove the barriers between people through the use of art. All forms of art harbor the creative expression to convey a message of communting and healing.
Contact Us!
Billy
Billy reflects on his film “Home is Here” and realizes the amount of work it takes to direct a film.
Kanaka
Kanaka explores the intersections between cultures through the one thing that connects us all, food.
Kanaka emphasizes her purpose in creating “We Pho With It,” creating a spotlight on local communities and establishing solidarity.
Alokai
Is it a bird? Is it a plane? It’s Captain Ice Crusher with a message on protecting our community against dark governmental forces.
Alokai reflects on his experience as a director and why it was important to make “The Rise of Captain Ice Crusher.”
Casey
For Casey, Film is more than a hobby…
Casey reflects on his short “Gears” and promises to continue to chase his passion.
Tin
Tin shares his story on how his Tatt Thang Tattoo Studio came into fruition.
Tin shares his story on how his Tatt Thang Tattoo Studio came into fruition.
Thaisan
Thaisan struggles with a question he often asks himself, “Why are you here?”
Thaisan dives into his experience directing his film, “This is why I’m here.”
Chris
Chris discovers his second chance in life and takes some time to remember the moment he earned his freedom.
Chris gives an insight on what Redo: Second Breath is about and reflects on his experience directing his story.
Peter
Peter shares vulnerable moments of his life in a medium that matters to him, a poem.
Peter shares his experience directing his film “Breaking Through.”
About Us
Training
Through every stage of the film making process, we are hands on. Trainees are able to learn important film techniques that help develop their creative sensibility.
Support
We offer a strong support system for filmakers of all types and abilities. We find pride in our guidance and resources that give you the encourgaement to succeed in the filmmmaking world.
Community
Our ever-expanding community consists of filmmakers of all types, working across different styles and diciplines. Our community reflects the diverse and inclusive stories that are told through each project.
Camera Rolling: Nepal
Empowering Women
The Nepal Project's goal was to provide women in Nepal the set of skills to tell their own stories. By learning how to create these stories, these women can use film as a tool to shape narratives of their experiences.
Developing Filmmmaking Skills
Workshops provided hands on learning for these women to learn the technical abilities of filmmaking, creating opportunites for them in the future.
Local Creatives
By teaching the women to become filmmakers and storytellers, they strengthen their local community, establishing a strong foundation for their stories.
Cultural Collaboration
LIFT and the women of the Nepal Project harbored significant cross cultural collaboration, creating a sense of deep understanding of Nepal culture and gaining new perspective on social issues.
Promoting Gender Equality
The Nepal Project helps challange the gender norms in Nepal about who can be a filmmaker and whos stories can be told.
Social Change Through Film
Using film as a tool for change is the strong purpose of the Nepal Project. These women are able to bring awareness to a wider audience by using the art of film to inspire social impact.
The Meztli Projects
Students enrolled in the immersive “Subversive Art and Media” collaborated with The Meztli Projects, an Indigenous Arts Organization centering community-based work, based in Montebello, CA. Oxy students were teamed with an Artist Fellow working under the auspices of Meztli Project Fellowships to advance their art practices. Each team completed a short video introducing their artist fellow and Electronic Press Kit. All materials were created, shot, edited and written by students in collaboration with their Artist Fellows. At the conclusion of the project, all materials (including original video and audio footage, b-roll material, finished videos, as well as the EPK were duplicated so that both Meztli Projects and Occidenta would have access to all materials for future projects and publicity.
Isaac Michael Ybarra
Issac Michael Ybarra is an artist and a creative who traces his ancestry to the Santa Monica Mountains. He describes how film making is a form of theater and how this applies not only to his work, but the inspiration for others and their connection to the environment.
Nicholas Hummingbird
Author and plant activist Nicholas Hummingbird talks about his inspiration for his children’s book Can You Hear the Plants Speak?: his son and the identity he develops connecting with the native Californian plants. His commitment to further preserving the world for his son is reflected through Hahamongna Gardens, a native plant nursery founded by Hummingbird.
Lorene Sisquoc
Lorene Sisquoc is the Curator of the Sherman Indian Museum and the Culture Traditions Leader of Sherman Indian High School, who has immersed herself into the culture of basket weaving. From a young age, she seeked to pick up the bits and pieces of knowledge passed down from family. She mentions the process of keeping this knowledge alive in the surrounding communities.
Emilia Cruz
Emilia Cruz, visual artist, outlines her form of artwork to her grandfather, who was a sculptor. She describes the re-connection of ancestry through art and how it honors those before her as she journeys into the world of ceramics.
ThundrOne
ThundrOne finds himself creating the works of a muralist and a graffiti artist in order to heal communities. He speaks on how his past influences the current murals he is commissioned to design and the impact it will induce on younger generations.
Antonio Mejia
Antonio Mejia has been in the tattoo industry as a youth to now. He currently focuses on cover-ups for those who have tuned their lives around. He touches upon the stories of clients as well as the techniques that go into cover up tattoos.
Xela de la X
Founder of Ovarian Psycos, Xela de la X, addresses her vision for the position women will hold in their communities amongst the current violence.
Zora Zajiček
Zora Zajiček is an artist, curator, and art historian who traces her artistic roots to her Czech background. She describes how the creative women in her life influence her to tie folklore and history into her multitude of mediums.
The Sidewalk Project
Empowerment
The Sidewalk Project showcases the leadership of those who have lived experiences. Investing into the arts creates space for connection and innovation.
Advocacy
We fight to push against the stigma of homelessness and sex work, aiming to change the sociatal narrative.
Arts & Culture
The heart and the origin of The Sidewalk Project, we are able to remove the barriers between people through the use of art. All forms of art harbor the creative expression to convey a message of communting and healing.
Contact Us!
Kanaka
Kanaka emphasizes her purpose in creating “We Pho With It,” creating a spotlight on local communities and establishing solidarity.
Alokai
Is it a bird? Is it a plane? It’s Captain Ice Crusher with a message on protecting our community against dark governmental forces.
Alokai reflects on his experience as a director and why it was important to make “The Rise of Captain Ice Crusher.”
Casey
For Casey, Film is more than a hobby…
Casey reflects on his short “Gears” and promises to continue to chase his passion.
Tin
Tin shares his story on how his Tatt Thang Tattoo Studio came into fruition.
Tin shares his story on how his Tatt Thang Tattoo Studio came into fruition.
Thaisan
Thaisan struggles with a question he often asks himself, “Why are you here?”
Thaisan dives into his experience directing his film, “This is why I’m here.”
Chris
Chris discovers his second chance in life and takes some time to remember the moment he earned his freedom.
Chris gives an insight on what Redo: Second Breath is about and reflects on his experience directing his story.
Peter
Peter shares vulnerable moments of his life in a medium that matters to him, a poem.
Peter shares his experience directing his film “Breaking Through.”
About Us
Training
Through every stage of the film making process, we are hands on. Trainees are able to learn important film techniques that help develop their creative sensibility.
Support
We offer a strong support system for filmakers of all types and abilities. We find pride in our guidance and resources that give you the encourgaement to succeed in the filmmmaking world.
Community
Our ever-expanding community consists of filmmakers of all types, working across different styles and diciplines. Our community reflects the diverse and inclusive stories that are told through each project.
Camera Rolling: Nepal
Empowering Women
The Nepal Project's goal was to provide women in Nepal the set of skills to tell their own stories. By learning how to create these stories, these women can use film as a tool to shape narratives of their experiences.
Developing Filmmmaking Skills
Workshops provided hands on learning for these women to learn the technical abilities of filmmaking, creating opportunites for them in the future.
Local Creatives
By teaching the women to become filmmakers and storytellers, they strengthen their local community, establishing a strong foundation for their stories.
Cultural Collaboration
LIFT and the women of the Nepal Project harbored significant cross cultural collaboration, creating a sense of deep understanding of Nepal culture and gaining new perspective on social issues.
Promoting Gender Equality
The Nepal Project helps challange the gender norms in Nepal about who can be a filmmaker and whos stories can be told.
Social Change Through Film
Using film as a tool for change is the strong purpose of the Nepal Project. These women are able to bring awareness to a wider audience by using the art of film to inspire social impact.
The Meztli Projects
Students enrolled in the immersive “Subversive Art and Media” collaborated with The Meztli Projects, an Indigenous Arts Organization centering community-based work, based in Montebello, CA. Oxy students were teamed with an Artist Fellow working under the auspices of Meztli Project Fellowships to advance their art practices. Each team completed a short video introducing their artist fellow and Electronic Press Kit. All materials were created, shot, edited and written by students in collaboration with their Artist Fellows. At the conclusion of the project, all materials (including original video and audio footage, b-roll material, finished videos, as well as the EPK were duplicated so that both Meztli Projects and Occidenta would have access to all materials for future projects and publicity.
Isaac Michael Ybarra
Issac Michael Ybarra is an artist and a creative who traces his ancestry to the Santa Monica Mountains. He describes how film making is a form of theater and how this applies not only to his work, but the inspiration for others and their connection to the environment.
Nicholas Hummingbird
Author and plant activist Nicholas Hummingbird talks about his inspiration for his children’s book Can You Hear the Plants Speak?: his son and the identity he develops connecting with the native Californian plants. His commitment to further preserving the world for his son is reflected through Hahamongna Gardens, a native plant nursery founded by Hummingbird.
Lorene Sisquoc
Lorene Sisquoc is the Curator of the Sherman Indian Museum and the Culture Traditions Leader of Sherman Indian High School, who has immersed herself into the culture of basket weaving. From a young age, she seeked to pick up the bits and pieces of knowledge passed down from family. She mentions the process of keeping this knowledge alive in the surrounding communities.
Emilia Cruz
Emilia Cruz, visual artist, outlines her form of artwork to her grandfather, who was a sculptor. She describes the re-connection of ancestry through art and how it honors those before her as she journeys into the world of ceramics.
ThundrOne
ThundrOne finds himself creating the works of a muralist and a graffiti artist in order to heal communities. He speaks on how his past influences the current murals he is commissioned to design and the impact it will induce on younger generations.
Antonio Mejia
Antonio Mejia has been in the tattoo industry as a youth to now. He currently focuses on cover-ups for those who have tuned their lives around. He touches upon the stories of clients as well as the techniques that go into cover up tattoos.
Xela de la X
Founder of Ovarian Psycos, Xela de la X, addresses her vision for the position women will hold in their communities amongst the current violence.
Zora Zajiček
Zora Zajiček is an artist, curator, and art historian who traces her artistic roots to her Czech background. She describes how the creative women in her life influence her to tie folklore and history into her multitude of mediums.
The Sidewalk Project
Empowerment
The Sidewalk Project showcases the leadership of those who have lived experiences. Investing into the arts creates space for connection and innovation.
Advocacy
We fight to push against the stigma of homelessness and sex work, aiming to change the sociatal narrative.
Arts & Culture
The heart and the origin of The Sidewalk Project, we are able to remove the barriers between people through the use of art. All forms of art harbor the creative expression to convey a message of communting and healing.
Contact Us!
Alokai
Alokai reflects on his experience as a director and why it was important to make “The Rise of Captain Ice Crusher.”
Casey
For Casey, Film is more than a hobby…
Casey reflects on his short “Gears” and promises to continue to chase his passion.
Tin
Tin shares his story on how his Tatt Thang Tattoo Studio came into fruition.
Tin shares his story on how his Tatt Thang Tattoo Studio came into fruition.
Thaisan
Thaisan struggles with a question he often asks himself, “Why are you here?”
Thaisan dives into his experience directing his film, “This is why I’m here.”
Chris
Chris discovers his second chance in life and takes some time to remember the moment he earned his freedom.
Chris gives an insight on what Redo: Second Breath is about and reflects on his experience directing his story.
Peter
Peter shares vulnerable moments of his life in a medium that matters to him, a poem.
Peter shares his experience directing his film “Breaking Through.”
About Us
Training
Through every stage of the film making process, we are hands on. Trainees are able to learn important film techniques that help develop their creative sensibility.
Support
We offer a strong support system for filmakers of all types and abilities. We find pride in our guidance and resources that give you the encourgaement to succeed in the filmmmaking world.
Community
Our ever-expanding community consists of filmmakers of all types, working across different styles and diciplines. Our community reflects the diverse and inclusive stories that are told through each project.
Camera Rolling: Nepal
Empowering Women
The Nepal Project's goal was to provide women in Nepal the set of skills to tell their own stories. By learning how to create these stories, these women can use film as a tool to shape narratives of their experiences.
Developing Filmmmaking Skills
Workshops provided hands on learning for these women to learn the technical abilities of filmmaking, creating opportunites for them in the future.
Local Creatives
By teaching the women to become filmmakers and storytellers, they strengthen their local community, establishing a strong foundation for their stories.
Cultural Collaboration
LIFT and the women of the Nepal Project harbored significant cross cultural collaboration, creating a sense of deep understanding of Nepal culture and gaining new perspective on social issues.
Promoting Gender Equality
The Nepal Project helps challange the gender norms in Nepal about who can be a filmmaker and whos stories can be told.
Social Change Through Film
Using film as a tool for change is the strong purpose of the Nepal Project. These women are able to bring awareness to a wider audience by using the art of film to inspire social impact.
The Meztli Projects
Students enrolled in the immersive “Subversive Art and Media” collaborated with The Meztli Projects, an Indigenous Arts Organization centering community-based work, based in Montebello, CA. Oxy students were teamed with an Artist Fellow working under the auspices of Meztli Project Fellowships to advance their art practices. Each team completed a short video introducing their artist fellow and Electronic Press Kit. All materials were created, shot, edited and written by students in collaboration with their Artist Fellows. At the conclusion of the project, all materials (including original video and audio footage, b-roll material, finished videos, as well as the EPK were duplicated so that both Meztli Projects and Occidenta would have access to all materials for future projects and publicity.
Isaac Michael Ybarra
Issac Michael Ybarra is an artist and a creative who traces his ancestry to the Santa Monica Mountains. He describes how film making is a form of theater and how this applies not only to his work, but the inspiration for others and their connection to the environment.
Nicholas Hummingbird
Author and plant activist Nicholas Hummingbird talks about his inspiration for his children’s book Can You Hear the Plants Speak?: his son and the identity he develops connecting with the native Californian plants. His commitment to further preserving the world for his son is reflected through Hahamongna Gardens, a native plant nursery founded by Hummingbird.
Lorene Sisquoc
Lorene Sisquoc is the Curator of the Sherman Indian Museum and the Culture Traditions Leader of Sherman Indian High School, who has immersed herself into the culture of basket weaving. From a young age, she seeked to pick up the bits and pieces of knowledge passed down from family. She mentions the process of keeping this knowledge alive in the surrounding communities.
Emilia Cruz
Emilia Cruz, visual artist, outlines her form of artwork to her grandfather, who was a sculptor. She describes the re-connection of ancestry through art and how it honors those before her as she journeys into the world of ceramics.
ThundrOne
ThundrOne finds himself creating the works of a muralist and a graffiti artist in order to heal communities. He speaks on how his past influences the current murals he is commissioned to design and the impact it will induce on younger generations.
Antonio Mejia
Antonio Mejia has been in the tattoo industry as a youth to now. He currently focuses on cover-ups for those who have tuned their lives around. He touches upon the stories of clients as well as the techniques that go into cover up tattoos.
Xela de la X
Founder of Ovarian Psycos, Xela de la X, addresses her vision for the position women will hold in their communities amongst the current violence.
Zora Zajiček
Zora Zajiček is an artist, curator, and art historian who traces her artistic roots to her Czech background. She describes how the creative women in her life influence her to tie folklore and history into her multitude of mediums.
The Sidewalk Project
Empowerment
The Sidewalk Project showcases the leadership of those who have lived experiences. Investing into the arts creates space for connection and innovation.
Advocacy
We fight to push against the stigma of homelessness and sex work, aiming to change the sociatal narrative.
Arts & Culture
The heart and the origin of The Sidewalk Project, we are able to remove the barriers between people through the use of art. All forms of art harbor the creative expression to convey a message of communting and healing.
Contact Us!
Casey
Casey reflects on his short “Gears” and promises to continue to chase his passion.
Tin
Tin shares his story on how his Tatt Thang Tattoo Studio came into fruition.
Tin shares his story on how his Tatt Thang Tattoo Studio came into fruition.
Thaisan
Thaisan struggles with a question he often asks himself, “Why are you here?”
Thaisan dives into his experience directing his film, “This is why I’m here.”
Chris
Chris discovers his second chance in life and takes some time to remember the moment he earned his freedom.
Chris gives an insight on what Redo: Second Breath is about and reflects on his experience directing his story.
Peter
Peter shares vulnerable moments of his life in a medium that matters to him, a poem.
Peter shares his experience directing his film “Breaking Through.”
About Us
Training
Through every stage of the film making process, we are hands on. Trainees are able to learn important film techniques that help develop their creative sensibility.
Support
We offer a strong support system for filmakers of all types and abilities. We find pride in our guidance and resources that give you the encourgaement to succeed in the filmmmaking world.
Community
Our ever-expanding community consists of filmmakers of all types, working across different styles and diciplines. Our community reflects the diverse and inclusive stories that are told through each project.
Camera Rolling: Nepal
Empowering Women
The Nepal Project's goal was to provide women in Nepal the set of skills to tell their own stories. By learning how to create these stories, these women can use film as a tool to shape narratives of their experiences.
Developing Filmmmaking Skills
Workshops provided hands on learning for these women to learn the technical abilities of filmmaking, creating opportunites for them in the future.
Local Creatives
By teaching the women to become filmmakers and storytellers, they strengthen their local community, establishing a strong foundation for their stories.
Cultural Collaboration
LIFT and the women of the Nepal Project harbored significant cross cultural collaboration, creating a sense of deep understanding of Nepal culture and gaining new perspective on social issues.
Promoting Gender Equality
The Nepal Project helps challange the gender norms in Nepal about who can be a filmmaker and whos stories can be told.
Social Change Through Film
Using film as a tool for change is the strong purpose of the Nepal Project. These women are able to bring awareness to a wider audience by using the art of film to inspire social impact.
The Meztli Projects
Students enrolled in the immersive “Subversive Art and Media” collaborated with The Meztli Projects, an Indigenous Arts Organization centering community-based work, based in Montebello, CA. Oxy students were teamed with an Artist Fellow working under the auspices of Meztli Project Fellowships to advance their art practices. Each team completed a short video introducing their artist fellow and Electronic Press Kit. All materials were created, shot, edited and written by students in collaboration with their Artist Fellows. At the conclusion of the project, all materials (including original video and audio footage, b-roll material, finished videos, as well as the EPK were duplicated so that both Meztli Projects and Occidenta would have access to all materials for future projects and publicity.
Isaac Michael Ybarra
Issac Michael Ybarra is an artist and a creative who traces his ancestry to the Santa Monica Mountains. He describes how film making is a form of theater and how this applies not only to his work, but the inspiration for others and their connection to the environment.
Nicholas Hummingbird
Author and plant activist Nicholas Hummingbird talks about his inspiration for his children’s book Can You Hear the Plants Speak?: his son and the identity he develops connecting with the native Californian plants. His commitment to further preserving the world for his son is reflected through Hahamongna Gardens, a native plant nursery founded by Hummingbird.
Lorene Sisquoc
Lorene Sisquoc is the Curator of the Sherman Indian Museum and the Culture Traditions Leader of Sherman Indian High School, who has immersed herself into the culture of basket weaving. From a young age, she seeked to pick up the bits and pieces of knowledge passed down from family. She mentions the process of keeping this knowledge alive in the surrounding communities.
Emilia Cruz
Emilia Cruz, visual artist, outlines her form of artwork to her grandfather, who was a sculptor. She describes the re-connection of ancestry through art and how it honors those before her as she journeys into the world of ceramics.
ThundrOne
ThundrOne finds himself creating the works of a muralist and a graffiti artist in order to heal communities. He speaks on how his past influences the current murals he is commissioned to design and the impact it will induce on younger generations.
Antonio Mejia
Antonio Mejia has been in the tattoo industry as a youth to now. He currently focuses on cover-ups for those who have tuned their lives around. He touches upon the stories of clients as well as the techniques that go into cover up tattoos.
Xela de la X
Founder of Ovarian Psycos, Xela de la X, addresses her vision for the position women will hold in their communities amongst the current violence.
Zora Zajiček
Zora Zajiček is an artist, curator, and art historian who traces her artistic roots to her Czech background. She describes how the creative women in her life influence her to tie folklore and history into her multitude of mediums.
The Sidewalk Project
Empowerment
The Sidewalk Project showcases the leadership of those who have lived experiences. Investing into the arts creates space for connection and innovation.
Advocacy
We fight to push against the stigma of homelessness and sex work, aiming to change the sociatal narrative.
Arts & Culture
The heart and the origin of The Sidewalk Project, we are able to remove the barriers between people through the use of art. All forms of art harbor the creative expression to convey a message of communting and healing.
Contact Us!
Tin
Tin shares his story on how his Tatt Thang Tattoo Studio came into fruition.
Thaisan
Thaisan struggles with a question he often asks himself, “Why are you here?”
Thaisan dives into his experience directing his film, “This is why I’m here.”
Chris
Chris discovers his second chance in life and takes some time to remember the moment he earned his freedom.
Chris gives an insight on what Redo: Second Breath is about and reflects on his experience directing his story.
Peter
Peter shares vulnerable moments of his life in a medium that matters to him, a poem.
Peter shares his experience directing his film “Breaking Through.”
About Us
Training
Through every stage of the film making process, we are hands on. Trainees are able to learn important film techniques that help develop their creative sensibility.
Support
We offer a strong support system for filmakers of all types and abilities. We find pride in our guidance and resources that give you the encourgaement to succeed in the filmmmaking world.
Community
Our ever-expanding community consists of filmmakers of all types, working across different styles and diciplines. Our community reflects the diverse and inclusive stories that are told through each project.
Camera Rolling: Nepal
Empowering Women
The Nepal Project's goal was to provide women in Nepal the set of skills to tell their own stories. By learning how to create these stories, these women can use film as a tool to shape narratives of their experiences.
Developing Filmmmaking Skills
Workshops provided hands on learning for these women to learn the technical abilities of filmmaking, creating opportunites for them in the future.
Local Creatives
By teaching the women to become filmmakers and storytellers, they strengthen their local community, establishing a strong foundation for their stories.
Cultural Collaboration
LIFT and the women of the Nepal Project harbored significant cross cultural collaboration, creating a sense of deep understanding of Nepal culture and gaining new perspective on social issues.
Promoting Gender Equality
The Nepal Project helps challange the gender norms in Nepal about who can be a filmmaker and whos stories can be told.
Social Change Through Film
Using film as a tool for change is the strong purpose of the Nepal Project. These women are able to bring awareness to a wider audience by using the art of film to inspire social impact.
The Meztli Projects
Students enrolled in the immersive “Subversive Art and Media” collaborated with The Meztli Projects, an Indigenous Arts Organization centering community-based work, based in Montebello, CA. Oxy students were teamed with an Artist Fellow working under the auspices of Meztli Project Fellowships to advance their art practices. Each team completed a short video introducing their artist fellow and Electronic Press Kit. All materials were created, shot, edited and written by students in collaboration with their Artist Fellows. At the conclusion of the project, all materials (including original video and audio footage, b-roll material, finished videos, as well as the EPK were duplicated so that both Meztli Projects and Occidenta would have access to all materials for future projects and publicity.
Isaac Michael Ybarra
Issac Michael Ybarra is an artist and a creative who traces his ancestry to the Santa Monica Mountains. He describes how film making is a form of theater and how this applies not only to his work, but the inspiration for others and their connection to the environment.
Nicholas Hummingbird
Author and plant activist Nicholas Hummingbird talks about his inspiration for his children’s book Can You Hear the Plants Speak?: his son and the identity he develops connecting with the native Californian plants. His commitment to further preserving the world for his son is reflected through Hahamongna Gardens, a native plant nursery founded by Hummingbird.
Lorene Sisquoc
Lorene Sisquoc is the Curator of the Sherman Indian Museum and the Culture Traditions Leader of Sherman Indian High School, who has immersed herself into the culture of basket weaving. From a young age, she seeked to pick up the bits and pieces of knowledge passed down from family. She mentions the process of keeping this knowledge alive in the surrounding communities.
Emilia Cruz
Emilia Cruz, visual artist, outlines her form of artwork to her grandfather, who was a sculptor. She describes the re-connection of ancestry through art and how it honors those before her as she journeys into the world of ceramics.
ThundrOne
ThundrOne finds himself creating the works of a muralist and a graffiti artist in order to heal communities. He speaks on how his past influences the current murals he is commissioned to design and the impact it will induce on younger generations.
Antonio Mejia
Antonio Mejia has been in the tattoo industry as a youth to now. He currently focuses on cover-ups for those who have tuned their lives around. He touches upon the stories of clients as well as the techniques that go into cover up tattoos.
Xela de la X
Founder of Ovarian Psycos, Xela de la X, addresses her vision for the position women will hold in their communities amongst the current violence.
Zora Zajiček
Zora Zajiček is an artist, curator, and art historian who traces her artistic roots to her Czech background. She describes how the creative women in her life influence her to tie folklore and history into her multitude of mediums.
The Sidewalk Project
Empowerment
The Sidewalk Project showcases the leadership of those who have lived experiences. Investing into the arts creates space for connection and innovation.
Advocacy
We fight to push against the stigma of homelessness and sex work, aiming to change the sociatal narrative.
Arts & Culture
The heart and the origin of The Sidewalk Project, we are able to remove the barriers between people through the use of art. All forms of art harbor the creative expression to convey a message of communting and healing.
Contact Us!
Thaisan
Thaisan dives into his experience directing his film, “This is why I’m here.”
Chris
Chris discovers his second chance in life and takes some time to remember the moment he earned his freedom.
Chris gives an insight on what Redo: Second Breath is about and reflects on his experience directing his story.
Peter
Peter shares vulnerable moments of his life in a medium that matters to him, a poem.
Peter shares his experience directing his film “Breaking Through.”
About Us
Training
Through every stage of the film making process, we are hands on. Trainees are able to learn important film techniques that help develop their creative sensibility.
Support
We offer a strong support system for filmakers of all types and abilities. We find pride in our guidance and resources that give you the encourgaement to succeed in the filmmmaking world.
Community
Our ever-expanding community consists of filmmakers of all types, working across different styles and diciplines. Our community reflects the diverse and inclusive stories that are told through each project.
Camera Rolling: Nepal
Empowering Women
The Nepal Project's goal was to provide women in Nepal the set of skills to tell their own stories. By learning how to create these stories, these women can use film as a tool to shape narratives of their experiences.
Developing Filmmmaking Skills
Workshops provided hands on learning for these women to learn the technical abilities of filmmaking, creating opportunites for them in the future.
Local Creatives
By teaching the women to become filmmakers and storytellers, they strengthen their local community, establishing a strong foundation for their stories.
Cultural Collaboration
LIFT and the women of the Nepal Project harbored significant cross cultural collaboration, creating a sense of deep understanding of Nepal culture and gaining new perspective on social issues.
Promoting Gender Equality
The Nepal Project helps challange the gender norms in Nepal about who can be a filmmaker and whos stories can be told.
Social Change Through Film
Using film as a tool for change is the strong purpose of the Nepal Project. These women are able to bring awareness to a wider audience by using the art of film to inspire social impact.
The Meztli Projects
Students enrolled in the immersive “Subversive Art and Media” collaborated with The Meztli Projects, an Indigenous Arts Organization centering community-based work, based in Montebello, CA. Oxy students were teamed with an Artist Fellow working under the auspices of Meztli Project Fellowships to advance their art practices. Each team completed a short video introducing their artist fellow and Electronic Press Kit. All materials were created, shot, edited and written by students in collaboration with their Artist Fellows. At the conclusion of the project, all materials (including original video and audio footage, b-roll material, finished videos, as well as the EPK were duplicated so that both Meztli Projects and Occidenta would have access to all materials for future projects and publicity.
Isaac Michael Ybarra
Issac Michael Ybarra is an artist and a creative who traces his ancestry to the Santa Monica Mountains. He describes how film making is a form of theater and how this applies not only to his work, but the inspiration for others and their connection to the environment.
Nicholas Hummingbird
Author and plant activist Nicholas Hummingbird talks about his inspiration for his children’s book Can You Hear the Plants Speak?: his son and the identity he develops connecting with the native Californian plants. His commitment to further preserving the world for his son is reflected through Hahamongna Gardens, a native plant nursery founded by Hummingbird.
Lorene Sisquoc
Lorene Sisquoc is the Curator of the Sherman Indian Museum and the Culture Traditions Leader of Sherman Indian High School, who has immersed herself into the culture of basket weaving. From a young age, she seeked to pick up the bits and pieces of knowledge passed down from family. She mentions the process of keeping this knowledge alive in the surrounding communities.
Emilia Cruz
Emilia Cruz, visual artist, outlines her form of artwork to her grandfather, who was a sculptor. She describes the re-connection of ancestry through art and how it honors those before her as she journeys into the world of ceramics.
ThundrOne
ThundrOne finds himself creating the works of a muralist and a graffiti artist in order to heal communities. He speaks on how his past influences the current murals he is commissioned to design and the impact it will induce on younger generations.
Antonio Mejia
Antonio Mejia has been in the tattoo industry as a youth to now. He currently focuses on cover-ups for those who have tuned their lives around. He touches upon the stories of clients as well as the techniques that go into cover up tattoos.
Xela de la X
Founder of Ovarian Psycos, Xela de la X, addresses her vision for the position women will hold in their communities amongst the current violence.
Zora Zajiček
Zora Zajiček is an artist, curator, and art historian who traces her artistic roots to her Czech background. She describes how the creative women in her life influence her to tie folklore and history into her multitude of mediums.
The Sidewalk Project
Empowerment
The Sidewalk Project showcases the leadership of those who have lived experiences. Investing into the arts creates space for connection and innovation.
Advocacy
We fight to push against the stigma of homelessness and sex work, aiming to change the sociatal narrative.
Arts & Culture
The heart and the origin of The Sidewalk Project, we are able to remove the barriers between people through the use of art. All forms of art harbor the creative expression to convey a message of communting and healing.
Contact Us!
Chris
Chris gives an insight on what Redo: Second Breath is about and reflects on his experience directing his story.
Peter
Peter shares vulnerable moments of his life in a medium that matters to him, a poem.
Peter shares his experience directing his film “Breaking Through.”
Peter
Peter shares his experience directing his film “Breaking Through.”
About Us
Training
Through every stage of the film making process, we are hands on. Trainees are able to learn important film techniques that help develop their creative sensibility.
Support
We offer a strong support system for filmakers of all types and abilities. We find pride in our guidance and resources that give you the encourgaement to succeed in the filmmmaking world.
Community
Our ever-expanding community consists of filmmakers of all types, working across different styles and diciplines. Our community reflects the diverse and inclusive stories that are told through each project.
Camera Rolling: Nepal
Empowering Women
The Nepal Project's goal was to provide women in Nepal the set of skills to tell their own stories. By learning how to create these stories, these women can use film as a tool to shape narratives of their experiences.
Developing Filmmmaking Skills
Workshops provided hands on learning for these women to learn the technical abilities of filmmaking, creating opportunites for them in the future.
Local Creatives
By teaching the women to become filmmakers and storytellers, they strengthen their local community, establishing a strong foundation for their stories.
Cultural Collaboration
LIFT and the women of the Nepal Project harbored significant cross cultural collaboration, creating a sense of deep understanding of Nepal culture and gaining new perspective on social issues.
Promoting Gender Equality
The Nepal Project helps challange the gender norms in Nepal about who can be a filmmaker and whos stories can be told.
Social Change Through Film
Using film as a tool for change is the strong purpose of the Nepal Project. These women are able to bring awareness to a wider audience by using the art of film to inspire social impact.
The Meztli Projects
Students enrolled in the immersive “Subversive Art and Media” collaborated with The Meztli Projects, an Indigenous Arts Organization centering community-based work, based in Montebello, CA. Oxy students were teamed with an Artist Fellow working under the auspices of Meztli Project Fellowships to advance their art practices. Each team completed a short video introducing their artist fellow and Electronic Press Kit. All materials were created, shot, edited and written by students in collaboration with their Artist Fellows. At the conclusion of the project, all materials (including original video and audio footage, b-roll material, finished videos, as well as the EPK were duplicated so that both Meztli Projects and Occidenta would have access to all materials for future projects and publicity.
Isaac Michael Ybarra
Issac Michael Ybarra is an artist and a creative who traces his ancestry to the Santa Monica Mountains. He describes how film making is a form of theater and how this applies not only to his work, but the inspiration for others and their connection to the environment.
Nicholas Hummingbird
Author and plant activist Nicholas Hummingbird talks about his inspiration for his children’s book Can You Hear the Plants Speak?: his son and the identity he develops connecting with the native Californian plants. His commitment to further preserving the world for his son is reflected through Hahamongna Gardens, a native plant nursery founded by Hummingbird.
Lorene Sisquoc
Lorene Sisquoc is the Curator of the Sherman Indian Museum and the Culture Traditions Leader of Sherman Indian High School, who has immersed herself into the culture of basket weaving. From a young age, she seeked to pick up the bits and pieces of knowledge passed down from family. She mentions the process of keeping this knowledge alive in the surrounding communities.
Emilia Cruz
Emilia Cruz, visual artist, outlines her form of artwork to her grandfather, who was a sculptor. She describes the re-connection of ancestry through art and how it honors those before her as she journeys into the world of ceramics.
ThundrOne
ThundrOne finds himself creating the works of a muralist and a graffiti artist in order to heal communities. He speaks on how his past influences the current murals he is commissioned to design and the impact it will induce on younger generations.
Antonio Mejia
Antonio Mejia has been in the tattoo industry as a youth to now. He currently focuses on cover-ups for those who have tuned their lives around. He touches upon the stories of clients as well as the techniques that go into cover up tattoos.
Xela de la X
Founder of Ovarian Psycos, Xela de la X, addresses her vision for the position women will hold in their communities amongst the current violence.
Zora Zajiček
Zora Zajiček is an artist, curator, and art historian who traces her artistic roots to her Czech background. She describes how the creative women in her life influence her to tie folklore and history into her multitude of mediums.
The Sidewalk Project
Empowerment
The Sidewalk Project showcases the leadership of those who have lived experiences. Investing into the arts creates space for connection and innovation.
Advocacy
We fight to push against the stigma of homelessness and sex work, aiming to change the sociatal narrative.
Arts & Culture
The heart and the origin of The Sidewalk Project, we are able to remove the barriers between people through the use of art. All forms of art harbor the creative expression to convey a message of communting and healing.