Back in June 2011, families and friends of the teenage participants in the Docs Rock program gathered at San Pedro High School for A Celebration of Student Documentary, an event where the Los Angeles community can gain access to the work of the next Steve James or Errol Morris. The seven films screened at this event were all created by high school students with the help of mentor and artist-in-residence Deb Diehl, who works closely with the young filmmakers to help them realize their nonfiction projects.

Developed in conjunction with the Los Angeles Unified School District and the City of Los Angeles, Docs Rock is a two-semester program that introduces high school students to the world of documentary filmmaking. At the end of this unique year-long experience, the students in the program have the opportunity to screen their films before an audience of their peers, families, and community.



At the June 11 screening, Diehl and student hosts introduced the program of all seven student-produced films. Below is more information on all of the films. If you have some extra time on your hands, you can watch five of them in their entirety.

I Can’t Say That
Produced and directed by Hannah Jacobs
I Can’t Say That is a short, experimental piece exploring the emotions behind racially charged language. This piece examines the spontaneous feelings behind hurtful words and the way they are viewed and used by different age groups.

Public Service Announcement, #2
Produced by the Docs Rock class, directed by Joseph Silvas
The passing of Mario Danelo, kicker for the USC football team and a graduate from San Pedro High, was a tragic loss for his family and community. From this untimely passing came a community project that continues to grow year after year.

A Slice of Cherry Pie
Produced and directed by Joseph Silvas
Some people teach, others coach, and then there are those who inspire. This is the story of how JoAnne Cherry Booth of San Pedro High School literally created a dance nation. Watch this film.

WWABDJMD
Produced by Hannah Jacobs, directed by Jeannine Camacho
WWABDJMD is a film documenting young people of different religions and their connection to their faiths. The film will explore how each young believer interprets their religion, giving a glimpse of why they chose the path they are on and how it has affected them. Watch this film.

We Are Alive
Produced and directed by Sarah Moreno
We Are Alive explores the Chumash people and their resurrected sacred journey to Santa Cruz Island, their original home. This film shows the literal, spiritual, and personal journeys of its participants. Watch this film.

Graffiti Church
Produced by Richard Bartow, directed by Jessenia Galvan-Lloyd
This piece examines the Urban Arts Crew of Wilmington, California, where young teenagers are given a chance to bring graffiti indoors and learn serious design. Watch this film.

I Couldn’t Walk, But I Could Ride
Produced by Raelunn Fell, directed by Macy Dreizler
Therapeutic horse riding give children and adults who otherwise cannot walk a chance to live. Ride and Fly and the Therapeutic Riding Center in Huntington Beach allowed disabled children and adults the opportunity to be successful. Watch this film.