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True Humans
A Documentary
True Humans a documentary by Malinalli López Arreguín delivers a compelling narrative that weaves together themes of resilience, humanity, and the profound impact of community care.
Shot in Sonoma County, the film explores the lives and stories surrounding the Sonoma Developmental Center, highlighting the profound relationships between the staff and the individuals they served. Through poignant interviews and immersive visuals, López captures the essence of loss, love, and the enduring spirit of those who navigate systemic challenges with dignity and grace.
The film’s powerful storytelling resonates deeply, offering an intimate look at the connections that define us as truly human, making it a profound testament to the power of compassion and collective memory.
Nestled as a community jewel in the small town of Eldridge, CA the Sonoma Developmental Center which had been in service for 126 years was historically a tight-knit community for the developmentally disabled. When the SDC closed on December of 2018, we documented the stories of family members of residents who had lived there most of their lives.
Since the closure of the SDC, XQL media in collaboration with the Parent Hospital Association now known as Family Advocates United/PHA produced a documentary on the stories of residents of the SDC and their families to document what the SDC had meant to them.
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To read more about the future of the Sonoma Developmental Center please read more here: https://www.sdcspecificplan.com/
