Three brand new documentaries created by School of Theatre, Film & Television students aired this past weekend on an episode of Arizona Illustrated, a flagship television program of Arizona Public Media.
Produced, filmed and edited by Anna Agosto (BFA, ’23), Tatum Sailors (BFA, ’24), Brett Jones (BFA, ’23), and Fiona Paskoff (BFA, ’24), the films explore the history of Tucson’s Chinese owned grocery stores, Tohono O’odham pottery and gentrification in Tucson’s oldest neighborhood.
The films were produced with editorial independence under the guidance of Peabody award-winning documentary filmmaker and TFTV Instructor, Lisa Molomot, in collaboration with Desert Archaeology, Inc. Funding was provided by the Regional Transportation Authority and the City of Tucson in collaboration with Pima County.
The three shorts are as follows:
Chinese Grocery Stores in Tucson
There were once over 100 Chinese owned grocery stores in Tucson. This story looks at their cultural impact and talks to some of the children who grew up in them.
Producer: Lisa Molomot
Supervising Producer: Sarah Herr Student Crew
Videographers: Anna Agosto, Tatum Sailors
Editor: Anna Agosto
Tohono O’odham Pottery
A look at the process and cultural heritage of Tohono O’odham pottery with Reuben Naranjo.
Producer: Lisa Molomot
Supervising Producer: Sarah Herr
Videographers: Anna Agosto, Brett Jones
Editor: Anna Agosto
The Barrios were the heart of our city
Author and Historian, Lydia Otero takes filmmakers on a walk through Tucson’s oldest neighborhood, Barrio Viejo and reminisces on what has changed since their family lived there and what was lost with urban renewal.
Producer: Lisa Molomot
Supervising Producer: Sarah Herr
Videographer and Editor: Fiona Paskoff
Additional filming and editing: Anna Agosto
“Having the privilege to speak with local author and historian Lydia Otero, while working alongside Lisa Molomot and Desert Archaeology, has been an incredibly fulfilling and impactful experience,” said Paskoff. “In making this film about gentrification in Tucson, I learned how interconnected place is with cultural identity. When white people attempt to push out POC communities that have been present in a place for generations, that cultural erasure severely impacts all parties involved. Recognizing how this continuous cycle of cultural suppression has intrinsically bled throughout all aspects of society, like that of city planning, is the first step in unpacking systematic racism within our communities.
Being mentored by Professor Molomot was a highlight. When we were not actively filming, she shared stories, advice, and insight on what a successful career in documentary filmmaking looks like. The invaluable knowledge she imparted has given me the confidence to pursue my future filmmaking endeavors.”