Momentum Film

Local documentary film, MOMENTUM, is set to captivate a national audience!

Chosen for a PBS premiere with a three-year national broadcast, Marcella Foundation support helps add the finishing touches to ensure MOMENTUM is broadcast-ready.

MOMENTUM is the inspiring film about two friends who find hope, strength and new beginnings in an unexpected way: the challenging world of Mixed Martial Arts. Beyond showcasing South Lake Tahoe's scenic beauty, the film delves into the lives of individuals within our community, highlighting their complex and profound stories and celebrating the diverse population that resides here. We're absolutely thrilled to share these inspiring stories with a national audience

Become a Momentum Mentor.

One of the key characters in the Momentum Film is Tahoe’s very own Ryan Wallace, South Tahoe High School wrestling coach and youth mentor extraordinaire. Together with the Marcella Foundation, Ryan is creating a mentorship and community outreach program to coincide with the national release of MOMENTUM Film. If you are interested in becoming a Momentum Mentor, please sign up as a volunteer here.

Donate to MOMENTUM Mentors

“Impact is embodied through the captivating stories of Chris and Ryan, underscoring resilience, vulnerability, and sacrifice. We hope to motivate individuals to conquer challenges and drive positive change in their communities.”

— Michelle Aguilar- Ficara Director/Producer

How can you support this project?

Stay Connected: Sign up for the Momentum Film mailing list to stay updated on all the latest developments, screenings and ways to help

Request a Screening

Sponsor a Community Screening: We believe that the power of the film lies in its ability to spark meaningful conversations and connections within specific communities. Beyond our national broadcast some of the organizations we hope to partner with for screenings are: Juvenile treatment facilities, At risk youth organizations, Youth alternative education programs, Mental health and addiction organizations, Trauma organizations, Coaching and mentorship organizations, MMA and Wrestling Programs, Adaptive sports programs, etc.

Michelle Aguilar- Ficara Director/Producer: Michelle earned an M.A in Social Documentation from the UC Santa Cruz and has produced numerous non-fiction multimedia projects in cultures and communities across the world. Her work has screened at the Margaret Mead Film Festival, Napa Valley Film Festival, Banff film festival, Carmel International Film Festival, Big Sky Film Festival, and has been recognized at the IDA awards, Social Justice Film Festival and the DC Environmental Film Festival. She is the former Director of Production for Meridian Hill Pictures in Washington DC and currently works and lives in her hometown of South Lake Tahoe, Ca.