Local Filmmaker To Debut ‘Tony The Movie’ To Shine A Light on San Diego’s Homeless

On October 28, local business owner Dennis Stein will debut his documentary “Tony The Movie,” to jumpstart a community discussion on solutions to our region’s homelessness crisis.

The free event at the Observatory North Park will also feature Father Joe’s Villages’ animated short film “Shine” and a moving performance by a choir of people affected by homelessness.

Following the feature film, Tony, the subject of the documentary, will be part of a panel discussing solutions to homelessness with the filmmaker, Father Joe’s Villages and other experts in the field.

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“San Diego’s homelessness crisis is impossible to ignore any time you drive downtown,” said Dennis Stein. “By sharing Tony’s story, I hope to bring more people to the table to support real solutions to homelessness in San Diego.”

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The film follows Tony’s journey to find housing, which evolves into a broader search for solutions to homelessness. Viewers will get a personal look at Tony’s daily experience on the streets of San Diego, combined with his interviews with local service providers, government officials and leaders here and in other cities.

He surveys everyone from Father Joe’s Villages to the San Diego County Board of Supervisors, asking for input on behalf of the thousands of people living on the streets across the county.

“We know that it takes a comprehensive suite of approaches, combined with the right support from the community, to overcome the complex struggles of homelessness,” said Deacon Jim Vargas, President and CEO of Father Joe’s Villages. “And in the long term, the key to solving San Diego’s homelessness crisis is to create more affordable housing to help more people stay off the streets for good.”

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To shed a creative light on homelessness, the event will feature “Shine,” a three-minute animated film that tells a story of hope intended to shift public perceptions of homelessness and inspire people to take action.

Father Joe’s Villages worked with integrated marketing agency i.d.e.a. and Golden Globe-nominated animation studio Reel FX to create a film that shows the power of compassion and targeted support to end homelessness.

Attendees will also enjoy a moving performance by Voices of Our City Choir – a community choir dedicated to transforming the perception and experience of homelessness through music and art. Following the films and panel discussion, guests are invited to continue conversation over snacks from City Tacos  and beer from Mike Hess Brewing.

This community event is completely free, and no RSVP is needed.

All are welcome to join on October 28, 11:30 a.m. to approximately 2 p.m. at the Observatory North Park, 2891 University Ave, San Diego.

The film will begin promptly at noon.

See you there!