Duranguito
by Iuka Productions

Iuka Productions
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Duranguito
by Iuka Productions
Iuka Productions
Follow
Two women’s resistance to the City of El Paso’s demands has spurred a three-year-long battle against corruption, deceit, and the forced displacement of the city’s oldest residents. With a looming court decision holding the future of the barrio hostage, the fight to save Duranguito is far from over.
Two women’s resistance to the City of El Paso’s demands has spurred a three-year-long battle against corruption, deceit, and the forced displacement of the city’s oldest residents. With a looming court decision holding the future of the barrio hostage, the fight to save Duranguito is far from over.
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Story
Inclusion Statement
"Duranguito" focuses on the experiences of lower-income, elderly, Mexican-American women and immigrants in response to corruption and deceit. As a crew comprised of primarily women and people of color, accurate and empowering representation is essential to us both behind and in front of the camera.About The Project
If you stand on the corner of Chihuahua Street and Paisano Drive, you can see two man-made borders: one border separating Mexico and the United States, the other a fence separating residents Antonia Morales (91) and Romelia Mendoza (66) from the street they’ve lived on for decades.
The fences surrounding their two homes are now clad with large photos memorializing the history of their barrio: portraits of famous actors and chefs, side-by-side comparisons of the street 100 years apart, detailed descriptions of certain buildings’ histories. Artwork on the sidewalk reflects indigenous culture of the land centuries prior to colonialist expansion. The photos and artwork stand as a loud declaration of Chihuahua Street’s longstanding history for the few who happen to stumble upon it, a revival of the ghosts that are fighting alongside those looking toward Duranguito’s future.Over the last three years, residents of Duranguito have endured an ongoing battle against city leaders after it was announced that their barrio would be destroyed and replaced with a sports arena. 43 members of a once-vibrant community are gone. Romelia Mendoza and Antonia “Toñita” Morales are the last two people left in Duranguito—and they’re still fighting tooth and nail to protect their barrio.
WHY IT MATTERSWith the support of lawyers, activists, and a few city representatives, Antonia and Romelia’s battle to protect their community and history is far from over.
It’s important to acknowledge that this isn’t a new battle. Across the country, vibrant, tight-knit communities in cities are being forcibly eliminated in order to accommodate more luxurious lifestyles. And when this happens, there are rarely any wins because people are targeting those whose voices they can easily silence—the elderly, minorities, lower-income folks, etc.
Antonia, Romelia, and past residents of Duranguito are unafraid of expressing their anger toward the city. As documentary filmmakers, we hope to honor the work the two of them have done by creating this film for all to see.For the five of us, this project has meant researching El Paso city politics until three in the morning. It’s meant calling dozens of people trying to get interviews, working random jobs to pay for our travel expenses, and trying to explain to everyone why we care so much about this neighborhood in a city a thousand miles away.
Even still, it’s just a fraction of the work that Antonia, Romelia, and their supporters have done to keep their community alive. And at the end of the day, that’s what matters most to us. We’ve dedicated a lot of our time and effort into this project because we believe in this documentary and its ability to change perspectives and the future of Duranguito. As filmmakers, that’s all we can hope to do.HOW CAN YOU HELP?
Contribute! By contributing directly to the campaign, you're supporting the fight against displacement and supporting the preservation of El Paso’s history.
Follow! By following the campaign, we unlock perks and rewards that can allow us to maximize our reach.
Share! By sharing the campaign, we can reach new communities and increase support.
Advocate! Follow Paso del Sur and El Paso History Alliance to be more connected with the boots on the ground!
¡LA LUCHA SIGUE—VIVA DURANGUITO!
Thank you for taking the time to support a campaign dedicated to the residents of Duranguito. Any contribution helps.
Incentives
$10
Thank you!
You're the best! We'll include your name in the credits of the documentary.
$25
Personalized Thank You Video
As a thank you, we'll send a personalized video from our team.
$50
Digital Copy of Documentary
A private viewing link to watch the documentary prior to its official release.
+ Thank You video
$75
Postcard Pack
3-pack of stills from the documentary in postcard form. Hang 'em on your wall or send them to some friends.
+ Postcard Pack
+ Digital copy
+ Thank you video$100
Signed Duranguito Poster
The official 11"x17" Duranguito poster signed by the production team. Worth millions.
+ All of the above
$175
ZINE!
A custom zine about gentrification, immigration, and post-colonialism curated by Sonia and Oliver. We've included poetry, recipes, photography, and more by artists from all across the nation, plus some BTS photos from the documentary.
+ All of the above
$250
Whiskey River Soap Co. Custom Candle
We've collaborated with Whiskey River Soap Co. and have limited edition handmade soy candles to give out. This one's pretty crazy—get one before they're gone!
+ All of the above
$500
Q+A Session
A personal Q+A session with the filmmakers! We'll chat about the production process and answer any questions.
+ All of the above
$1,000
Associate Producer
Congrats! You made the team. We'll list you as an associate producer in the film credits.
+ All of the above
$3,000
Executive Producer
Welcome to Iuka Productions! You'll be an integral member of our team and we'll give you a first look at the film.
+ All of the above
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Wishlist
Use the WishList to pledge cash and loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an incentive directly.
$10
Thank you!
You're the best! We'll include your name in the credits of the documentary.
$25
Personalized Thank You Video
As a thank you, we'll send a personalized video from our team.
$50
Digital Copy of Documentary
A private viewing link to watch the documentary prior to its official release.
+ Thank You video
$75
Postcard Pack
3-pack of stills from the documentary in postcard form. Hang 'em on your wall or send them to some friends.
+ Postcard Pack
+ Digital copy
+ Thank you video$100
Signed Duranguito Poster
The official 11"x17" Duranguito poster signed by the production team. Worth millions.
+ All of the above
$175
ZINE!
A custom zine about gentrification, immigration, and post-colonialism curated by Sonia and Oliver. We've included poetry, recipes, photography, and more by artists from all across the nation, plus some BTS photos from the documentary.
+ All of the above
$250
Whiskey River Soap Co. Custom Candle
We've collaborated with Whiskey River Soap Co. and have limited edition handmade soy candles to give out. This one's pretty crazy—get one before they're gone!
+ All of the above
$500
Q+A Session
A personal Q+A session with the filmmakers! We'll chat about the production process and answer any questions.
+ All of the above
$1,000
Associate Producer
Congrats! You made the team. We'll list you as an associate producer in the film credits.
+ All of the above
$3,000
Executive Producer
Welcome to Iuka Productions! You'll be an integral member of our team and we'll give you a first look at the film.
+ All of the above
- Updates
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Current Team
About This Team
IUKA PRODUCTIONS
A collective of creators, innovators, Saturday night karaoke champs, and Sunday matinee regulars. Dedicated to the details found in the fractions of a second that bring your story to life.
The strength of our company lies in the versatility of experiences. From start to finish, each member of our team brings a fresh perspective to every project we do, tied together with a communal desire to create something meaningful.
We are Iuka Productions, a multimedia production company based in Columbus, Ohio. We are dedicated to providing quality media content for individuals and businesses—thanks for being here.
NIKKI MARTINEZ (director)
Nikki Martinez is a director and screenwriter from El Paso, Texas. Nikki’s work as a filmmaker began as a video production assistant for Big 10 Network as well as directing and writing a number of short films. Since graduating from Ohio State University, Nikki has been working as a freelance videographer and released several videos for Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid. In her free time, Nikki is usually rewatching Silence of the Lambs, taking extensive naps, or caring for her six dogs.
SONIA DESAI RAYKA (producer)
Sonia Rayka is a producer and screenwriter from Cincinnati, Ohio. Sonia graduated from Ohio State University with a B.A. in Comparative American/Ethnic Studies, Spanish, and Film Studies. Her post-grad goals include directing a feature-length film about her grandmother and winning a pie baking competition. Previously, she has worked at the Wexner Center for the Arts and Cincinnati Magazine. Most recently, Sonia began teaching Spanish to third graders; they don’t know about this campaign, but maybe she’ll share the link with them.
RACHEL LEGGETT (editor)
Rachel Leggett is a cinematographer and editor from Columbus, Ohio. With a background in environmental science, her work revolves around agricultural research in the central Ohio area; her documentary short Hardscrabble was an official selection of the Germinate International Film Festival. Previously, Rachel has worked as a production designer for several short films. Some of Rachel’s talents include identifying tree species, cross-stitching, and never sleeping. Literally never.
OLIVER ZAPATA RAMIREZ (producer)
Oliver Zapata Ramirez is a producer and photographer from Cali, Colombia. Raised in Cleveland, Ohio, he grew up inspired by vibrant colors, his mom’s cooking, and Battlestar Galactica. Oliver graduated with a B.A. in Strategic Communications and Film from Ohio State University and worked as a video production assistant for Big Ten Network.
ZANE ABRAHAM (director of photography)
Zane Abraham is a recent graduate of Ohio State University with a B.A. in Film and a B.S. in Business Administration. Born in Baltimore, Zane spent most of his childhood in Ohio and is currently located in Los Angeles. Working in a variety of mediums, Zane has shot numerous short-form narrative projects, music videos, and commercials. Most recently, he worked as the Director of Photography for one of AT&T Hello Lab’s short films.
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