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Logline

In the shadow of Silicon Valley’s power, East Palo Alto confronts displacement and long-delayed investment after decades of redlining and environmental injustice. Through its youth, community partners, local leaders, and a reimagined police force, the city attempts to build a Civic Commons that can heal historic harm. As East Palo Alto reclaims its narrative, who will its future be built for?

Synopsis

East Palo Alto lies in the heart of Silicon Valley, hidden in plain sight amongst the tech behemoths that surround it. Despite a rich legacy of activism and self-determination, historic marginalization held the community back from the same rapid growth that defines the region.This film follows another attempt at a first-ever Civic Commons: a public-private development project that proposes a new city hall, police headquarters, public library, and track and field. As expectations for the project mount and deadlines arrive, we see the community navigate the challenges and triumphs of a small city undergoing potentially momentous development.

At the center of the story is The Greyhounds, a local youth sports organization run by a devoted crew of volunteer coaches and parents. Despite no home field, Greyhounds athletes have gone on to elite universities, and national championships, and the NFL. The Civic Commons project promises them an athletic facility to call home, which could pave the way for future generations to thrive.

Across town, EPA’s Police Station lives in small, aging trailers. The police force gained a notable reputation for promoting a community-oriented approach to policing that facilitates strong bonds between residents and officers. Yet, their headquarters is cramped and outdated, falling short of the department’s needs. If successful, the Civic Commons project will provide an expansive new station alongside other community facilities. As excitement grows for the city’s potential revitalization, residents await the project delivering on its promises.

The city is no stranger to lofty promises of ambitious development and economic renewal. Past proposals envisioning improved infrastructure, increased employment, and updated facilities have come and gone. As stakeholders work to finally break ground, the community must reckon with expectations of long overdue resources and what it means to transform the city they’ve known their whole lives.
 

Meet the Filmmakers

Tracy Chitupatham — Co-Director/Producer
Tracy Chitupatham (she/her) is a Filipino-Thai-American creative artist born and raised in Los Angeles. Her projects have been supported by organizations such as the Sundance Institute, Film Independent, and Cinereach. She has also produced several Award-Winning Content.

Her latest project is an action adventure live-action/animation series, ARMORSAURS, on Disney+ and BBC. She is currently in production for Season 2 and developing Season 3 of the show. Her independent projects include documentary titles JAZZY JUMPERS and NEW WAVE which premiered at Tribeca 2024 and her narrative film titles DAUGHTER and BA. Her most recent studio films include THE HOLIDAY JUNKIE, a Lifetime Original Movie directed and starring Jennifer Love Hewitt, GET OFF MY LAWN, a Tubi Original Movie and more. Previously, she has held staff producer positions at Indigenous Media, Tremolo Productions and Awesomeness. Tracy’s films are supported by California Humanities, Film Independent, Center for Asian American Media, The Ford Foundation, Women Make Movies, and CNN, and she is a fellow of the PGA Create program. She is a member of the Director’s Guild of America. And, she is part of many film communities such as Brown Girls Doc Mafia, Asian American Documentary Network, and Women of Color Unite!

Jake Thomas — Co-Director
Jake Thomas is a producer, director, and editor with over a decade of experience across unscripted, narrative, and social impact storytelling. His work spans film, television, and digital platforms, where he’s known for elevating underrepresented voices and crafting character-driven stories with visual intention. His background in editing allows him to shape narrative with precision and empathy, while his producing and directing work reflects a deep respect for grassroots leadership and community agency. Jake is drawn to East Palo Alto’s story not as an outsider observing change, but as a filmmaker committed to documenting how communities fight to define their own future.

Bryant Swanstrom — Director of Photography
Bryant Swanstrom is an LA-based cinematographer working in the documentary, narrative, and commercial fields. Excelling in lighting, aerial shots, composition, steadicam, and storytelling, his expertise in crafting mood with lighting and capturing stunning aerial perspectives is unmatched. Bryant’s compositions seamlessly guide viewers’ attention. Behind the camera, his mastery of steadicam technology ensures smooth shots, but his storytelling and narrative finesse that truly distinguishes him across all genres. As a leader in the field, Bryant Swanstrom consistently raises the bar in commercial cinematography, leaving a lasting impact with each project.

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Contact

For inquiries, please contact [email protected].