A powerful call for support echoed through the California State Senate during a recent joint hearing focused on the arts and cultural preservation. Testimonies highlighted the urgent need for funding and recognition of marginalized communities, particularly in the realm of documentary filmmaking and historical preservation.

One poignant moment came from a filmmaker who shared the struggles of completing a project that aims to tell the stories of Indigenous peoples. "My community is scared that the industry won't have a future if we don't get some support," they stated, emphasizing the fear of losing cultural narratives due to financial instability. The filmmaker detailed how a lack of funding has stalled production, jeopardizing the involvement of key contributors, including a Native American composer.

The hearing also spotlighted the Angel Island Immigration Station Foundation, where Executive Director Edward Tepphorn addressed the detrimental impact of recent federal executive orders on funding for cultural organizations. Tepphorn revealed that the foundation's grants, crucial for preserving the history of Asian and Pacific Islander immigrants, had been abruptly terminated, threatening 20% of their annual budget. "These grants represent just one small part of the beautiful mosaic of efforts by museums, libraries, artists, and filmmakers," he said, urging the committee to advocate against these cuts.

The discussions underscored a broader theme of visibility and support for historically marginalized communities in California. As the hearing concluded, the call for action was clear: without immediate intervention, vital cultural narratives and histories risk being lost forever.