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AscenDance

LOGLINE:
As the pandemic shuts down Oakland's streets in the midst of the BLM Protests and fight for racial justice, artists attempt their largest mural yet determined to use their artistic expression to amplify the cause.

“We are honored to present 'AscenDance,' a film that inspires communities to use the power of art to address social justice issues and to celebrate our cultural diversity.” - Consuelo Alba, Director Watsonville Film Festival

"Ascendance" picks up where "Alice Street" left off -- it's a much needed follow up as we artists continue to reclaim space for and with the community in Oakland." - Fay Darmawi SF Urban Film Festival

SYNOPSIS:
Amidst the the rising of the Black Lives Matter movement and the pandemic shutting down Oakland’s streets, artists attempt their tallest and most challenging mural yet, determined to use their creations for justice. ASCENDANCE, a grandiose 90 feet tall mural, is to be created on the ‘Greenlining Institute,’ a building that houses an organization that advocates against systemic racism. This mural is born out of vital Community Benefit Agreements won by the Oakland community in their resistance to luxury condo developers covering up the culturally significant ALICE STREET mural.

Although initially initiated by muralist 'Desi Mundo', the creation of ASCENDANCE is led by a strong team of women of color muralists 'Marina Perez-Wong', 'Elaine Chu' and 'Priya Honda'. Together, they embark on a journey to create a new mural to represent Oakland’s rich history and cultural communities. It is a feat made even more challenging by the on-set of Co-Vid, resulting in social-distancing measures, and a general atmosphere of panic and uncertainty in downtown Oakland.

Just as the muralists and other community painters create a workaround for Co-Vid, horrific news about the brutalities against Black communities come to the spotlight and the nation is swept by the Black Lives Matter Movement. Oakland, a longtime hotspot for social justice and birthplace of the Black Panthers, takes to the streets. Though initially violent, the protests blossom into artistic expression, transforming broken windows into canvases. 'AscenDance' arises in this landscape of public resistance and art. 

  • Spencer Wilkinson
    Director
    Alice Street (2020), One Voice: The Story of the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir (2018), Reclaiming the Legacy of Oakland's Boogaloo (2021)
  • Kodhai Thirumalai
    Producer
    The Council (2021), Ignorance Isn't Bliss (2021)
  • Demondre Ward
    Special Cinematographer
    One Voice, Alice Street
  • JJ Harris
    Special Cinematographer
  • Jon Ayon-Alonso
    Finishing Editor
    Alice Street, No Soy Oscar, Sombras, Manzanal
  • Micah Berek
    Composer
    Alice Street, Hear Film, Alice Street, Convergence, You Could Be My Match
  • James Berek
    Sound Designer
    Alice Street, Hotel Artemis (2018), Night Crawler (2014), Alice Street (2020)
  • Sareeta Young
    Contributing Editor
    Son of Oakland (2020)
  • Rudi Tcruz
    Photographer
    Alice Street
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short
  • Genres:
    Activism, Art, Inspiring, Impactful, Drama
  • Runtime:
    17 minutes 3 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    January 15, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    40,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    HD
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Watsonville FIlm Festival (2024)
    Watsonville, CA
    United States
  • Thin Line Film Festival (2024)
    Denton, Texas
    United States
  • Bravemaker Film Festival (2024)
    Redwood City, California
    United States
  • Hip Hop Cinefest (2024)
    Rome
    Italy
  • Golden Bridge Istanbul Short Film Festival (2024)
    Istanbul
    Turkey
    April 17, 2024
    International Premiere
    Official Selection
  • Brighton Rocks (2024)
    Brighton
    United Kingdom
    June 25, 2024
    UK Premiere
Director Biography - Spencer Wilkinson

After a decade working with gang-involved and homeless youth, Spencer Wilkinson founded Endangered Ideas, an award-winning documentary production company in Oakland that focuses on stories of resilience. In 2021, Spencer directed the short film, "Oakland Boogaloo" co-produced by KQED in which he was awarded a regional Emmy award in 2022 and an Excellence in Journalism Award from the Society of Professional Journalists.

Spencer directed and produced “Alice Street (2020),” a documentary depicting the struggle to preserve Oakland’s cultural communities amid rapid gentrification. The film garnered several awards and was selected by 35 international film festivals. Spencer produced Alice Street impact campaigns in 14 California communities (2021) and over 30 cities nationally in 2022-23. He also directed the feature-length “ONE VOICE: The Story of the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir(2018)" which premiered at Mill Valley Film Festival and was a 2019 East Bay Express “Best Movie of the East Bay.” The film was featured in the 2020 “Truly CA” season on PBS.

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