Anne Barliant

Sporting Dreams

Is it worth it? Three unique stories look at the work and sacrifice that goes into pursuing athletic dreams in America.

Hypothetically

In this short spoof on the mob genre, two 'could be' mob-types walk into a restaurant and discuss 'business.' But they do so in such non-committal terms it becomes a verbal joust with comedic turns and rhyme schemes, leaving the audience guessing: 'are these guys for real?'

Fernando Nation

In Fernando Nation, Mexican-born and Los Angeles-raised director Cruz Angeles traces the history of a community that was torn apart when Dodger Stadium was built in Chavez Ravine and then revitalized by one of the most captivating pitching phenoms baseball has ever seen. Nicknamed “El Toro” by his fans, Fernando Valenzuela ignited a fire that spread from LA to New York—and beyond. He vaulted himself onto the prime time stage and proved with his signature look to the heavens and killer screwball that the American dream was not reserved for those born on U.S. soil. In this layered look at the myth and the man, Cruz Angeles recalls the euphoria around Fernando’s arrival and probes a phenomenon that transcended baseball for many Mexican-Americans. Fernando Valenzuela himself opens up to share his perspective on this very special time. Even 20 years later, “Fernandomania” lives.

Party Trick

A casual Cinco De Mayo party turns into a life or death situation when the host performs an unusual party trick.

The Escapists

A brother and sister live their whole lives in a mansion not knowing each other. One day they meet between the floorboards.

The Abortion Diaries

The Abortion Diaries is a documentary featuring 12 women who speak candidly about their experiences with abortion. The women are doctors, subway workers, artists, activists, military personnel, teachers and students; they are Black, Latina, Jewish and White; they are mothers or child-free; they range in age from 19 to 54. Their stories weave together with the filmmaker’s diary entries to present a compelling, moving and at times surprisingly funny “dinner party” where the audience is invited to hear what women say behind closed doors about motherhood, medical technology, sex, spirituality, love, work and their own bodies.