When his younger brother suddenly passes away, Tim, a 35-year-old drug peddler who has never been able to take care of himself properly, must decide what to do with his 10-year-old nephew: let him go into foster care, or rise to the occasion and straighten his life out.
I am Travis Andre Ross, and I wrote, produced, and starred in the film, which is based on TRUE EVENTS. We shot a portion of the film where it all started for me, in Santa Nella, a desolate, poverty stricken trailer park in the central valley of California. No film has ever been shot there. Running rampant with opioids, methamphetamine, and crime, not many kids get a chance to escape. The production used over 90% local resources (locations, talent, crew, etc.) to complete this film. We shot in Santa Nella, Gustine, Newman, and Patterson which is where this all took place in real life.
My exceptional costars,
Joseph David Jones (Detroit, Allegiant, Arrow, 4400, Nashville) and
Gabrielle Walsh (NBC FOUND, Paranormal Activity, Shameless, 9-1-1, East Los High)
joined the team knowing that this is an important story that we're telling. The film also features the same police station where I was arrested as a minor, triggering the turning point in my life that inspired me to tell stories instead of getting caught in them.
Additionally, I was happy to work with our outstanding director, Niv Klainer. His first film, "Bena" was selected to the Toronto International FIlm Festival and "AWOL" a short he edited won two awards at the Sundance Film Festival. "CENTRAL VALLEY" is the perfect follow up to show Niv's growth as director. He also has a strong personal connection to "CENTRAL VALLEY". Only three weeks before he came onto the project, his sister tragically passed away from years of substance abuse, a major theme in "CENTRAL VALLEY". The making of this film was beyond therapeutic and he has poured all of his focus into making "CENTRAL VALLEY" what it is; Honest and personal, while also universal and moving.
Todd James Myers is my Co-Executive/Producer. I could not have done it without him and the help of his mother, Carol.
I dedicate this film to my dear friend, Zack Obeso. After going through my own personal bout with substance abuse, I have tried to help those close to me going through the same thing..... I'm happy to say I had some success, but you can only lead a horse to water. You can't force it to drink. I hope "CENTRAL VALLEY" is the water for folks watching it. If our film can help even one person out there, our goal was achieved.
It's been a true labor of love, taking over three years to complete. I have personally put all of my time and heart into this film and I sincerely hope you enjoy it..
Thank you!.
Travis Andre Ross
Doors at 4; film at 5 p.m.
Tickets: $10