The Sandman

Director: Lauren Knapp

Run Time: 19 minutes

“Examining the reasons why a doctor opposed to capital punishment has engaged in dozens of Georgia executions, this film provides unique insight into the challenges of the modern-day death penalty in America.”
– Robin Konrad, Howard University School of Law

Once Was Water

Director: Christopher Beaver

Run Time: 55 minutes

 “A fascinating exploration of one city’s historic campaign to conserve water. This inspiring story of how Las Vegas made peace with nature is a twenty-first century guide to sustainability. Once Was Water is a must-see for anyone interested in water, the environment, and improving their community.”

– David Soll, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

The Rise and Fall of the Brown Buffalo

Director: Phillip Rodriguez

Run Time: 57 minutes 

“There was his style: a Chicano attorney who materialized in Los Angeles courtrooms in loud ties, bearing business cards embossed with the Aztec god of war and, on at least one occasion, a gun.. . .Oscar “Zeta” Acosta was not only large, he was larger than life. The son of a peach picker, he was an activist lawyer who helped defend the “Eastside 13,” the 13 men indicted by a grand jury for their role in planning the East L.A. school walkouts of 1968.  But his place as one of pop culture’s most indelible characters came via his pal Hunter S. Thompson, who used Acosta as the inspiration for “Dr. Gonzo” in the drug-fueled roman à clef “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.”

– Carolina A. Miranda, Los Angeles Times.