New documentaries tell stories from our own backyard — be ready for surprises

Five documentaries portraying the passion and people working to help Orange County’s most at-risk children will screen at 7 p.m. Monday, May 10, at Marion Knott Studios, Folino Theater.

 The screening showcases the work of Chapman students working with “Community Voices,” a new initiative in Chapman University’s Dodge College created to reach out to the community and give visibility to the diverse and inspiring stories there. Chapman film students worked all semester to create character-based documentary portraits focused on the lives of several of Orange County’s non-profit organizations and their members.

This first collection of films, each about 15-20 minutes long, is impressive and affecting because students sought out people with unique stories, says Sally Rubin, assistant professor, Lawrence and Kristina Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, and documentary filmmaker.

“They’re such thoughtful filmmakers and they’ve been able to gain, I would say, really unprecedented access” says Sally Rubin, assistant professor, Lawrence and Kristina Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, and documentary filmmaker.

Viewers will be struck by the poignancy of these documentaries, all of which spring from our own backyards, Rubin says.

“The power of documentary portraiture to convey the nuance and subtlety of human experience is undeniable. The Community Voices program offers our students the opportunity to explore this magic while simultaneously being of direct and impactful service to the causes they care about right here at home, in Orange County.

The non-profits profiled in the films include StandUp for Kids, Collette’s Children’s Home, Boys and Girls Club of Anaheim, Orangewood Children’s Foundation and Cut Studios.

 Admission is free and refreshments will be served.