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Unsung

A renowned muralist celebrates a historic neighborhood through 21 murals painted at a nearby recreation center.

  • Clark County Public Arts
    Executive Producer
  • Gwendolyn Walker-Abdullah
    Director
  • Zachary Fried
    Director
    Leading with Excellence, Heartstopper
  • Ernest Brown
    Producer
  • Yoni Kessler
    Producer
  • Myles Aquino
    Producer
  • Fried-Tangaro Family
    Producer
  • Brandßtädter-Villafuerte Family
    Producer
  • Mitchell Family
    Producer
  • Mickey Sprott
    Film Advisors
  • Stephanie Sumler
    Film Advisors
  • Gina Parham
    Film Advisors
  • Dyana Melchor
    Film Advisors
  • Cerissa Lopez
    Film Advisors
  • Victor Woodall
    Film Advisors
  • Rachel Aston
    Film Advisors
  • Anthony Manor
    Film Advisors
  • Mustafa Diallo
    Film Advisors
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short
  • Genres:
    social commentary, African American, historical
  • Runtime:
    16 minutes 6 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    July 7, 2025
  • Production Budget:
    7,504 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital, 4K, Sony FX3
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Cordillera International Film Festival
    Reno, Nevada
    United States
    September 25, 2025
    North American Premiere
    Best NV Documentary (Nominee)
Director Biography - Gwendolyn Walker-Abdullah, Zachary Fried

Gwendolyn K. Walker (Co-Director/Editor):
For over 50 years, Gwendolyn K. Walker has been a driving force in preserving Nevada’s African American history. Gwendolyn, founder of the Walker African American Museum, holds a lifelong commitment to ensuring that the stories of Black Nevadans are not forgotten. From collecting photographs and historical artifacts as a young girl to establishing her museum in the heart of Las Vegas’s Historic Westside. Her passion was sparked by the lack of representation in school libraries. The motto of the library is “you must know where you come from in order to know where you are going”. Gwendolyn was honored to receive county commissioner proclamations for her dedication to the Clark County community on November 4, 2017 and March 5th, 2024. Also, she was honored to receive congressional recognitions from Senator Valerie Wiener, Congressman Steven Horsford, and Congresswoman Susie Lee on May 15, 2025.

Zachary Fried (Co-Director/Editor):
Specializes in nonprofit, arts, and philanthropic initiatives. Featured filmmaker and entrepreneur at the 2024 Vegas Eccentric Arts Fest. Recipient of Clark County's Pearson Documentary Grant. College graduate with academic honors. Presented with public service recognitions from Senator Valerie Wiener and Congressman Steven Horsford. Interviewed on media outlets such as Vegas PBS’s Nevada Week. Collaborate with community organizations like Raw Femme, Shade Tree, Vegas Centennial Commission, and NV Association of Purchasing Professionals.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

The main source of inspiration for the film comes from a local organization, The Gathering. Started by Sam Smith, for over 18 years, this group provides a safe environment for all residents of Las Vegas to come together and discuss the current state of the African American community.

To create a unique experience for those familiar or unfamiliar with Mike’s Unsung Pillars of the Westside, Mrs. Walker and I want audiences to experience the artwork as if they are a member of The Gathering. We want them to feel like they are sitting in the West Side Oasis, breaking bread, engaged in a powerful conversation. After the 15-minute short film, we hope viewers are emboldened to get involved and become advocates for the Westside.