Red Carpet Premiere of Unlikely Draws Leaders Across Education, Philanthropy and Film Industries
Film Uncovers Barriers Faced by Underserved Students As They Seek to Earn a College Degree
October 03, 2019
By Saúl Valdez, ECMC Foundation
On September 24, ECMC Foundation and the Campaign for College Opportunity co-hosted the red carpet premiere of Unlikely at the Regal LA Live theatre in Downtown Los Angeles.
Unlikely is a feature-length documentary that investigates the college completion crisis and the systemic barriers students from underserved backgrounds face during their postsecondary education journey. Across the cities of Akron, Atlanta, Boston, and Los Angeles, the film highlights individuals who are working to overcome personal and systemic challenges that have made completing their postsecondary degrees difficult and riddled with barriers to success. The stories shared throughout the film illuminate opportunities for improvement within the postsecondary education system.
ECMC Foundation President Peter Taylor opened the event, welcoming guests who work the across higher education, philanthropy and film industries. “We’ve enjoyed supporting the Unlikely team as the film reveals the mosaic of identities and realities of our current postsecondary system,” said Peter. “We recognize that there isn’t just one road or pathway to pursue postsecondary certificates and degrees. The single mother, the returning veteran, the formerly incarcerated person recently released back into the community – these people are joining the traditional 18 -24 year old cohort in higher education, greatly diversifying our student populations, and causing institutions to adapt and change their practices.”
Members of the executive leadership team of ECMC Group and Board of Directors, including John DePodesta, Jack O’Connell, Diana Ingram, Jim McKeon, Roberta Ramo, and Maurice Salter also attended the event.
An insightful panel discussion, moderated by EdSource’s Larry Gordon, immediately followed the film. The panel featured higher education leaders and the cast of Unlikely including:
Eloy Ortiz Oakley- Chancellor, California Community College Michele Siqueiros- President, Campaign for College Opportunity
Tania Gutierrez, Cast, Unlikely
Adam Fenderson- Co-Director, Unlikely
Jaye Fenderson- Co- Director, Unlikely
Unlikely is coming to select theatres in Los Angeles, Washington D.C., and New York City later this fall and the trailer can be viewed here.
Event Photos
Additional photos of the event can be viewed here.