City-supported short film achieves Sundance recognition

The locally produced short sci-fi drama "En Memoria" has earned a prestigious spot in the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, where it will be featured in the Short Film Program 2 from Jan. 23 to Feb. 2, 2025.

The short film, written and produced by Roberto Fatal and Ali Meyers-Ohki, tells the story of a mother navigating a dystopian future as she struggles to complete her daughter's quinceañera dress.

The film was produced with support from the City of Sacramento's Film and Media Office, funded through the City's Innovation and Growth Fund. The project received a $10,000 production grant in May 2023 and a $5,000 post-production grant in February 2024.

"We are proud to see a locally supported film like 'En Memoria' gain recognition at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival," said Sacramento Film Commissioner Jennifer West. "We look forward to continuing to support productions that tell powerful stories and highlight Sacramento as a vibrant hub for creative filmmaking."

Economic impacts of "En Memoria"

The production of "En Memoria" combined powerful storytelling with significant contributions to diversity, job creation, and the local economy, according to the Sacramento Film and Media Office.

The film's cast and crew demonstrated a strong commitment to inclusivity and diversity, West said. Among those involved, 63% identified as nonbinary, transgender, or cisgender women; 30% as disabled; and 73% as Black, Indigenous, and/or people of color (BIPOC). Furthermore, 63% identified as LGBTQIA+, and the entire cast was composed of individuals who identify as BIPOC.

Figures from the Sacramento Film and Media Office show that the production delivered measurable economic benefits to the city, including:

• $16,328 in local spending
• 28 local hires
• 21 support service companies/vendors
• 11 internships provided to Sacramento City College film students

Projects like this not only showcase the incredible talent in our community but also make a meaningful impact on our local economy, West added.

About Sacramento Film and Media

Sacramento Film and Media office provides essential services to those interested in filming in the Sacramento area. The office works to leverage regional location assets, strengthen local crews, assist local filmmakers and attract out-of-town productions.

Sacramento Film and Media carries out film permitting and provides location assistance, production information, ordinance and regulatory information, internships and grant opportunities.

The City's film incentive grant program aims to sustain and foster growth in film and television production in the city of Sacramento. Since its launch in 2021, the three-year program has awarded $207,500 to 20 projects, generating $945,000 in economic impact for the city. These grants have supported productions featuring a wide range of storylines and diverse cast and crew members.

Photo credit: A still from the short film "En Memoria," directed by grant recipient Roberto Fatal.

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