With support from the California Arts Council, Esperanza Community Housing Corporation will advance media arts equity among underrepresented youth artists and filmmakers by producing a) the 4th Annual South Central Film Festival and b) five filmmaking and media arts workshops. This project addresses the critical gap in community-led festivals that serve as a platform and networking opportunity for underrepresented youth and promotes skills building and professional development opportunities for young creators systematically excluded from creative industries.
Esperanza advances the health, dignity, and human rights of South LA through: 1) Affordable Housing – Addressing displacement and housing vulnerability in South L.A., our safe and affordable family housing units offer security and shelter to hundreds of residents. 2) Health and Access to Care – Promoting a broad culture of wellness, Esperanza educates and supports the empowerment of community members to improve health and increase access to care. 3) Economic Development – Facilitating local economic development, Mercado La Paloma provides growth opportunities and financial stability to small, family-owned businesses. 4) Arts and Culture – Stimulating involvement in the arts and increasing civic engagement, our programming celebrates South L.A.’s rich heritage and vibrant traditions. 5) Environmental Justice – Ensuring families are safe from toxins in their homes and neighborhoods, Esperanza advocates for public policy through a human rights and environmental justice framework. 6) Policy Advocacy & Systems Change – Advocating around our core programs, and in partnership with allied organizations, at both the local and state levels, our main focus is on community power-building, equitable development, displacement and gentrification prevention, preservation & production of affordable housing, transit justice, environmental justice, immigrant rights, and public health.

