George and Ricardo, an intimidating couple at first sight, but the Ortega brothers are as sweet as you can imagine, and an example on how to transform the community.
“I don’t know where it came from, it came naturally, to see the needs of our community, our children and young people,” said George Ortega, filmmaker, activist, mentor and producer.
“Art not only benefits children and young people, but also adults. The whole family”, he adds.
“When we were young, no one told us to make art, we told ourselves, if you want to do it, do it,” say the creators of Así es la vida, a short documentary that narrates part of East LA’s life.
For them, working with children, young people, and families is a basic thing in their community.
Hollywood has long ignored a community of filmmakers and artists who have made a transformation and cared about what is happening in the community. They have developed their own methods to finance their projects, have workshops and have an impact on our people.
“The state senator, Maria Elena Durazo, has approached us, she tells us that this is a movement that grows from the gross roots, and little by little we can continue transforming Southeast Los Angeles,” says Ortega.
Anthony Rendón, the Assemblyman for the 62nd district—which encompasses eight Southeast Los Angeles County cities, spanning Lakewood, Lynwood, Maywood, Paramount, South Gate, Huntington Park, Bellflower, and Walnut Park—also pushed for “geographical equity.”
Funds are being sought to build one of the most important art complexes in history, the SELA Cultural Arts Center.
World-renowned architect Frank Gehry has designed the SELA Cultural Arts Center, and this would be the first time in history that a multi-arts facility with world-class architectural design could be build in SELA.
The petition, initiated by Juan Escobedo and a community group, would mark the commencement of an art center that integrates education, art, and addresses the lack of interest from municipal and state governments.
SIGN PETITION: SELA Cultural Arts Center is a GAME changer!
“We grow so much when we focus on ourselves, we help ourselves grow, we need more funds and for politicians to begin to realize our needs,” adds Ortega.
“We are thinking about the future, more workshops, more classes,” says Ortega.
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