Films by Filmmaker

Dawn D. Valadez

Dawn Valadez has been creating art, causing mischief, and working for social justice since she was a teenager…many, many years ago. For over 20 years she has worked in the non-profit sector as a social worker, media maker, trainer, public art creator, and fundraiser. She co-founded a Bay Area AmeriCorps program (BAYAC), developed curriculum to honor Cesar Chavez, and created public art with youth from across Alameda County. Dawn, a Chicana, who has a master’s degree in social welfare, consults with non-profits and filmmakers on fund-raising, grant writing, program development, and strategic planning.
 
Dawn produced and co-directed the award-winning documentary—GOING ON 13 with Kristy Guevara-Flanagan. This project was funded by Latino Public Broadcasting, ITVS, the California Council for the Humanities, Chicken and Egg Pictures, and the Fledgling Fund among other foundations and private donors. GOING ON 13 screened at film festivals around the world, on public television in the US, Europe, Asia, and at community events, conferences, schools, and youth organizations. She co-authored the 38-page study guide that accompanies the film and has led youth and adult dialogues on the issues raised in the film.

TURN IT AROUND is Dawn's new work in progress about homegrown teachers and former gang members becoming teachers. Dawn is a co-producer on Brian Copeland's performance film and documentary, Not A Genuine Black Man, and an advisor on Trust by Kelly+Yamamoto, I-Nation by Theo Rigby, and Licensed to Pimp by Hima B. Dawn sits on numerous education and community service boards, and formerly served on the New Day Films Steering Committee.

GOING ON 13 is her first feature documentary.

GOING ON 13 won the Cine Golden Eagle Award, Best Documentary at the LA Femme Film Festival in Beverly Hills and Best Documentary at the Boyle Heights Latina International Film Extravaganza in East LA.