American Indian Cultural District - State Recognition Film

In production

A documentary and fundraising film created in collaboration with the American Indian Cultural District centered on the organization’s historic state recognition and the years of advocacy, cultural preservation, and community-building that made it possible.

The film explores the evolution of the district over the last six years through the voices of Native leaders, organizers, artists, elders, and community members who helped shape and sustain the movement. Blending oral history, documentary interviews, archival reflection, and present-day community moments, the project examines themes of visibility, sovereignty, resilience, cultural continuity, and Indigenous futures within San Francisco.

Created as both a historical record and fundraising tool, the film was designed to help audiences understand not only the significance of state recognition itself, but the deeper impact of the district’s ongoing work — including cultural programming, advocacy, community healing, artistic preservation, and the long-term vision for Native-led spaces and investment within the city.

As Creative Director and filmmaker, Molly helped shape the project from concept through production — leading story development, interview direction, cinematography, emotional arc, and visual language. The work was approached with a strong emphasis on relationship-building, cultural respect, and creating a cinematic experience that felt both intimate and politically meaningful.