Over 100 million people worldwide are experiencing displacement due to war, climate crises, and internal factors such as homelessness.
Beyond the Shadows, a feature length documentary film, explores the essential question: What is our collective responsibility, as individuals and as a society, to care for the most vulnerable members of our communities?
When one of the largest homeless encampments in Northern California emerges on a scenic bike trail in the heart of Sonoma County’s Wine Country, controversy is sparked. Some neighbors respond with compassion, while others demand the clearing of the trail. In the midst of this, County Supervisors attempt to address the issue, but it quickly proves to be a no-win situation and things are not always as they seem. Beyond the Shadows is an eyewitness account of the tensions that arise, actions taken, and the consequences that follow. It is a portrait of a community in crisis as it grapples with the question: How can we, as a society, care for the most vulnerable among us?
Production is complete and the film is currently in post-production.
Beyond the Shadows, a feature length documentary film, explores the essential question: What is our collective responsibility, as individuals and as a society, to care for the most vulnerable members of our communities?
When one of the largest homeless encampments in Northern California emerges on a scenic bike trail in the heart of Sonoma County’s Wine Country, controversy is sparked. Some neighbors respond with compassion, while others demand the clearing of the trail. In the midst of this, County Supervisors attempt to address the issue, but it quickly proves to be a no-win situation and things are not always as they seem. Beyond the Shadows is an eyewitness account of the tensions that arise, actions taken, and the consequences that follow. It is a portrait of a community in crisis as it grapples with the question: How can we, as a society, care for the most vulnerable among us?
Production is complete and the film is currently in post-production.
Directors Statement: Collective Care; Collective Action
Driving alongside the Joe Rodota trail, I was struck by the sheer magnitude of the homeless encampment that had formed, seemingly overnight. It was a cold and rainy winter and Christmas was fast approaching. Miles of tents lined a main thoroughfare in my community of Santa Rosa, CA. Feeling compelled to act but unsure how, I attended a community volunteer meeting where people came together, each offering their unique gifts and resources.
Earlier that day, I had passed a street musician playing the song, The Little Drummer Boy, “Just me and my drum, pa rum pum pum pum,” the song was stuck in my head. As I sat in the meeting, listening to the community create a tapestry of collective care, I considered what I had to offer. Changing the lyrics in my mind, I thought, “I am a poor girl too … I have no gifts to bring, pa rum pum pum pum.” Then it struck me, “just me and my … camera.” I had a gift to bring. As a seasoned documentary filmmaker, I could bring my camera to the trail and bear witness.
I began to film as the encampment continued to grow, and as the community response became more urgent. Some neighbors brought food, clothes, warm bedding, and compassion to people living on the trail. Other neighbors lashed out in fear, anger, and frustration over the rampant drug use, crime, mental illness, and squalor that accompanied the encampment. Tensions rose. The community was in crisis, and there was no looking away. What had been hidden was now visible and we were all forced to respond.
Politicians, stuck between compassionate solutions, government bureaucracy, and angry constituents, sought to remedy the situation, but it all proved to be elusive. In the end, the trail was swept, people scattered, and smaller encampments formed to be swept again, and again. It was a vicious and brutal cycle, and Beyond the Shadows documented it all.
Driving alongside the Joe Rodota trail, I was struck by the sheer magnitude of the homeless encampment that had formed, seemingly overnight. It was a cold and rainy winter and Christmas was fast approaching. Miles of tents lined a main thoroughfare in my community of Santa Rosa, CA. Feeling compelled to act but unsure how, I attended a community volunteer meeting where people came together, each offering their unique gifts and resources.
Earlier that day, I had passed a street musician playing the song, The Little Drummer Boy, “Just me and my drum, pa rum pum pum pum,” the song was stuck in my head. As I sat in the meeting, listening to the community create a tapestry of collective care, I considered what I had to offer. Changing the lyrics in my mind, I thought, “I am a poor girl too … I have no gifts to bring, pa rum pum pum pum.” Then it struck me, “just me and my … camera.” I had a gift to bring. As a seasoned documentary filmmaker, I could bring my camera to the trail and bear witness.
I began to film as the encampment continued to grow, and as the community response became more urgent. Some neighbors brought food, clothes, warm bedding, and compassion to people living on the trail. Other neighbors lashed out in fear, anger, and frustration over the rampant drug use, crime, mental illness, and squalor that accompanied the encampment. Tensions rose. The community was in crisis, and there was no looking away. What had been hidden was now visible and we were all forced to respond.
Politicians, stuck between compassionate solutions, government bureaucracy, and angry constituents, sought to remedy the situation, but it all proved to be elusive. In the end, the trail was swept, people scattered, and smaller encampments formed to be swept again, and again. It was a vicious and brutal cycle, and Beyond the Shadows documented it all.
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All donations are tax-deductible through Media Alliance, our nonprofit fiscal sponsor.
All donations are tax-deductible through Media Alliance, our nonprofit fiscal sponsor.