Help Fund Anali's Thesis Film: On Slauson

About: Tall palm trees, cracked sidewalks, and gated homes, On Slauson invites you into the world of 1993 East Los Angeles, California. This story is loosely based on my uncle who joined a gang at 14, only to realize after the passing of his best friend that he'd chosen the wrong path. On Slauson reveals the different facets of a sixteen year old boy’s life, Miguel, who struggles to understand his place in the world. He decides to join a gang in hopes that he will find his identity as a growing man, but soon finds himself struggling to balance his life at home and on the streets. In a run-down burger joint, Miguel works one of his first waitering shifts during a post-football game rush. When his gang-member friends visit him at work at the same time as his parents, he must find a way to conceal his affiliation with the gang while making both parties feel at ease. Miguel wants to make his friends and family proud, but their opposing demands cause him to lead a double life. I hope that in making this film I can provide a deeper perspective on the different facets of young gang members. Beyond their affiliations with what mainstream media depicts as glamorized violence and tragedy, gangs were a major approach for young people to come of age. Miguel represents one of many Chicanx people who entered gangs as a way of gaining respect and a sense of belonging. Nonetheless, Miguel will soon discover what happens when these two worlds collide.

Meet the Director: Growing up in Los Angeles and watching the endless assortment of films from my parent's bookshelf, I noticed the world of Latinx brothers and sisters I was long surrounded by was not reflected on what I saw on the big screen. I began investigating why our stories and people were neglected in film, and soon discovered that the doors were closed to our voices and many others. After joining nonprofit film programs like Ghetto Film School and Youth Cinema Project, I committed to pursuing film school and creating narratives that shed light on the colorful fabric of my Mexican culture.

We greatly appreciate you donating to the making of On Slauson. All donations will be going directly to the creation of the film. This would cover costs such as film and sound equipment, location, set operation costs, insurance, and post-production costs.