With the release of the new film “Pacoima Stories “Land of Dreams,” the town of Pacoima is buzzing like never before. Residents from the past and present will be gathering for a world premiere screening, which takes place on Saturday, February 27.
Rep. Tony Cardenas (D-CA 29th) and Los Angeles City Council Member Felipe Fuentes (7th District) are confirmed to attend the screening at Vaughn Performing Arts Theater in Pacoima. The program will begin at 4pm with a meet and greet reception, with the screening set to start at 5pm.
“The community is really excited to see this untold history of Pacoima” said Lon Grandison, Executive Producer of PacoimaStories 'Land of Dreams'. “This town has been misrepresented as a gang and drug infested community, however it has some rich incredible history. Unfortunately this aspect is rarely told.”
The documentary has a lineup of successful people from Pacoima including USC Football Legend Anthony Davis and who talks about his days at San Fernando High. Several 90 year old residents talk about what the city was like in the early days as well as witnesses to the 1957 plane crash and friends of Ritchie Valens talk about his legacy on the town. Comedian Gilbert Esquivel breaks down what growing up in Pacoima was like during the crack era.
“One very important aspect of this film is the Native American story.” Grandison said. “ The Fernandeno-Tataviam tribe has also been omitted from the history of Pacoima and they have been here since 450AD. We interviewed Rudy Ortega Jr, the Tribal President and he tells us the real history of what they called “Pacoinga Village”.
“Facebook has exploded” says Grandison. “Our post reached more than 19,000 people overwhelming excitement to see the story of their town, and our YouTube trailer was viewed more than 3,000 times in the first two days."
Tickets are still available for the screening. The venue is expected to sell out, so it is recommended to purchase your seats in advance online. Tickets can be purchased at www.PacoimaStories.com |
