![East LA Interchange]()
Six years ago, Eric Waterman came to me with an idea for a documentary, an idea kindled by hearing his parents’ stories of growing up in the diverse community of Boyle Heights. Seeing how much our contemporary society wrestles with what it means to be truly multicultural, Boyle Heights’ multicultural history fascinated me. I was moved by the enduring effects of this rich history rarely found elsewhere in the United States and believe that you will be similarly inspired.
Boyle Heights is, "...the best example of a place where people lived together from different backgrounds, different races, different nations for a longer period of time than other neighborhoods." – George Sanchez, Professor of American Studies and Ethnicity and History, USC
The subject of multiculturalism in the United States is more important today than ever. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that by 2050 African-Americans, Asians, Hispanics and Native Americans will increase from about a third of the population to more than half (54%). As the American population grows more and more diverse, society wrestles with what it means to be multicultural. East LA Interchange, investigates one exceptional Los Angeles neighborhood as an example of what can be.
By analyzing this extraordinary neighborhood throughout its history, we see how residents faced their racial, ethnic and religious differences in school, on the street, and next door. How did Boyle Heights encourage and support diversity and tolerance? And what can we learn from the people who were part of this community?
The title itself references one of the largest interchange and freeway systems in the country and its legacy in Boyle Heights – as a structural and environmental crossroads for residents and a thoroughfare for the millions that pass by each day. Ultimately, we uncover how this symbol of Los Angeles so ingrained in the popular imagination impacts Boyle Heights’ multicultural community.
![Hollenbeck School]( "Hollenbeck School")
Status Update:
Currently in the Post Production phase, East LA Interchange is scheduled for completion in June 2013. For six years, we have been working on East LA Interchange and now we are in the home stretch! We need your help to finish this documentary and bring it to people around the world.
What We Need:
In order to finish the film, we need to pay for rights for archival footage and photos, composing and music licensing, sound mixing, color correction, narration, graphics, legal services, mastering, DVD production and an outreach/community engagement plan. Our goal is to have a finished film for you to watch by June 2013.
How Else Can I Get Involved?
Please help us spread the word about our Indiegogo campaign and our film!
Tell your friends about the project:
Please email us at info@bluewatermedia.org if you know someone who might be interested in the project.
![The Crew Filming Cedrick Shimo]()
Our Team:
Our fantastic team has been working tirelessly for six years to realize our vision for East LA Interchange. They are: Betsy Kalin - Producer/Director, Eric Waterman - Executive Producer, Gretchen Warthen - Cinematographer, Christine Louise Mills (nee Berry) – Editor/Producer, Vanessa Luna Bishop – Producer, Sojin Kim – Expert, George Sanchez – Expert, Howard Shorr – Expert, Mark Wild – Expert, Wayne Alaniz Healy – Expert, Beatriz Ochoa - Expert
The Impact:
We believe East L.A. Interchange has the potential to change our country for the better. Our key objectives for this documentary are to:
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Increase awareness about how we build and maintain multicultural neighborhoods now that communities across the country are more diverse. Increase understanding about the specific work involved in building multicultural communities.
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Spark critical thinking among audiences about their individual attitudes regarding community and racial, class, and cultural differences.
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Educate audiences about the realities of immigrant neighborhoods and their residents. Educate viewers about the benefits for each citizen in creating and maintaining successful multicultural neighborhoods.
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Promote collaboration and exchange between at-risk youth in underserved communities with NGOs and scholars. Hold screenings for history and sociology class discussions at schools and work with non-profits to bring this type of screening to student associations, community centers, and organizations that serve youth.
![Downtown L.A. from Boyle Heights]()
Is My Contribution Tax-Deductible?
Not through IndieGoGo but if you would like to make a tax-deductible donation, please donate through our website and our fiscal sponsor's site, The Center for Independent Documentary (CID). Or you can mail a check to CID, with East LA Interchange on the Memo Line: 680 South Main Street, Sharon MA 02067. The added bonus is you'll receive a tax deduction AND your rewards.
Can I Become a Producer on East LA Interchange?
Yes! If you are interested in making a more significant contribution to the film, producer credits are available. Please choose the appropriate gift level or contact us for more information.
Can My Contribution be Anonymous?
Yes! Please just let us know that you don't want to have your name included in the film credits or on our website, Facebook or Twitter.
When Should I Receive My Rewards?
There is an estimated delivery date under each reward. Please allow for some flexibility with the delivery dates as it’s reliant on our finishing date.
Can I Gift a Reward?
Yes! Please just send us a note to let us know.
Can I Skip Getting My Reward?
Yes! Please just check the box indicating you'd like to forego the reward when you make your donation, thereby maximizing the value of your support.
How Do I Contact You?
You can reach us at info@bluewatermedia.com.
![Mariachi Plaza]()
