VR SHORT 1
Vendor Power
Street vendors have long been a staple of the LA culture. They are largely run by undocumented immigrants who want to make an honest living. There are estimated 10,000 food street vendors and 40,000 other vendors on the streets of LA and despite their cultural and economic contribution, LA is one of the only major cities that hasn't legalized it. In February of 2017, the city council voted to decriminalize street vending in order to prevent criminal misdemeanor charges and possible deportation for a lot of the hard working undocumented immigrants. Vendor Power interviews the Rodriguez family who worked as street vendors for many years as it was the only viable option they had being undocumented. As street vendors they put two children through college, became documented, and opened up their own restaurant. In the film, we also hear accounts from advocates and council members fighting on behalf of the 50,000 vendors whose work is a $504 million industry in Los Angeles. Project Golden has shown this film to Mayor Eric Garcetti, policy directors and council members working directly on the bill. The film was also shown at the California Bold Conference in February 2018 and the California Dreamin' event at the 2018 California Democratic Convention.
VR SHORT 2
Koreatown
The US is home to the largest Korean immigrant population, with Los Angeles being the top county. LA has the highest amount of Korean speaking people outside of Seoul. Koreans in LA have contributed significantly to its culture and economy. K-town as we know it has been largely rebuilt by the Korean immigrant community after the '92 riots. In this film, we explore the life of a Korean immigrant and help establish the voice of a strong community.
VR SHORT 3
PHOTO IRFAN KHAN / LA TIMES
Dreamer
According to the NY Times, a "typical" Dreamer lives in LA, is from Mexico and arrived here at the age of six. Out of the 800,000 DACA participants, 28% live in California, LA being the top county. With the current administration trying to wipe out DACA, it will not only erase $433 billion from the US GDP, but it will displace so many young people who have known America as their only home. In this film, we will follow the life of a dreamer and the impact the new administration has had on their life.