For as long as I can remember, I’ve been dreaming of a film that encapsulates crumbling under the pressure of what others have envisioned for your life, coming to terms with adulthood, and most importantly, the importance of finding your chosen family and that sense of unity that comes with being a part of the hardcore/punk music scene.

Growing up, I wrestled with the struggles of feeling like an outsider, never really fitting in anywhere. Years of being shoved and crammed into whatever box was deemed “normal” led to a growing resentment towards the concept of “fitting in.” At this point, my only solace rested in films. That was until I found hardcore around the age of 13. Immediately, I was embraced by others who not only looked like me but, more importantly, felt that same pressure growing up. I finally felt like I belonged somewhere. Over the next few years, I was exposed to bands like Terror, Trapped Under Ice, Trash Talk, Touche Amore, etc. Living in San Diego, venues like Che Cafe, Epicenter, and SOMA were our home away from home.

Eventually, members of our friend group went on to start bands and play in the same venues we called home. Coming from a background of loving movies and being behind a camera, I took it upon myself to start shooting a lot of these shows in backyards, local venues, VFW halls, and the occasional church. I really started to appreciate the beauty in how the chaotic nature of these shows appeared through a camera lens. It was at this point I realized there is a story to be told in these rooms and about these individuals.

At the end of the day, it is my number one goal to accurately capture the passion and emotional catharsis that individuals express at these shows, and the ongoing spirit that lives in these rooms.

In 2015, I was accepted into the film program at Woodbury University in Burbank, CA. No matter what the focus of the project was, I felt a responsibility to put as much of myself into the project as I could. Since then, I’ve been freelancing as a director, editor, and occasional cinematographer for music videos, all while shooting hardcore and punk shows in my free time.

I'm fundraising to create a film that captures the essence of the hardcore/punk music scene and the sense of belonging it provides.

No raffles, sweepstakes, giveaways, or returns on investment are offered in exchange for any donations made to this GoFundMe.