It is far past time for the SPPOA, the San Pedro Chamber, and the LA City Council to fund the arts at a sustainable level and for the landlords to understand basic market principles of supply and demand — quit gaming the rents! And while the city seeks a means to fund the arts, perhaps a special tax on vacant properties would be an incentive.
The revolutionary artist and iconoclastic activist’s selection of this opera, once banned in China, aligns with his challenging of norms. The film follows Ai Weiwei as he infuses the opera with a contemporary perspective, bridging the past and the present. His incorporation of installation art, performance art, and conceptual art resulted in an original and immersive experience.
In 2024, GIF students turned their cameras toward their own community, creating a documentary project titled Compassion In Action, which spotlighted Pedro Pet Pals. Through interviews with founder Theresa Sardisco, the short film chronicled PPP’s early beginnings and ongoing impact. The piece highlighted the importance of animal rescue, but also proved how young filmmakers can create work that inspires empathy and change