SBIFF is happy to be partnering with Youth CineMedia again this year. Youth CineMedia is a local Santa Barbara organization that teaches documentary filmmaking to diverse groups from both urban and rural communities. Founded by Osiris Castañeda in 2002, YCM focuses on creating films that address social justice issues, helping to create positive change through the lens of today’s next generation of filmmakers.

YOUTH CINEMEDIA 2023 SHORT DOCUMENTARIES

American Maverick
Directed by Vladamir Hurtado-Sanchez
How a blues musician and guitar craftsman who grew up in the ‘50s became an American maverick.

California Dreamin’
Directed by Liv Remiorz
What happens when three young students leave everything behind in search of their dreams?

Gris
Directed by Mischa Brandt
Can whales help teach a lesson to a human race in search of purpose?

The McDonald’s Massacre of 1984
Directed by Raymond Shay
The tragic story of the deadliest massacre in San Diego history.

Pan
Directed by Carlos Costilla
An intimate look at a family in Mexico that bakes their bread using a recipe that goes back generations.

The Perception of Perfection
Directed by Clara Koch
Is it possible for a young woman to achieve success while tackling a traumatizing past?

The Sacred Space
Directed by Jorge Garcia, Jack Spahn, and Osiris Castañeda
Jack and Rose share their journey in creating peace, love, and a sacred space in Summerland, California.

Showers From Heaven
Directed by Scott Kipp
How providing help to the homeless became so much more than a shower.

Sin Poder Ir
Directed by Beatriz Cadenas
Three siblings share the heartbreaking and tormenting experience of mourning the death of a loved one across the Southwest border.

Solar Skaters
Directed by Sabrianah Garoutte
West Coast roller skating communities are brought together by their love for skating.

The Sun and Everything
Directed by Lily Soleil Correa Lewites
Overcoming generational political trauma, a femme filmmaker explores her family’s involvement in Nicaragua’s Journey to Freedom reigniting a fire to keep her revolutionary spirit alive.