Steel Valley: Meltown explores Youngstown's past, present and future; from its slow decline through the years, to its hope for something better.
"More than anything is this just encourages people to talk about some of the challenges we have here and try to do things differently than we have," Kevin DeOliveira said.
DeOliveira and his friend Dan Mizicko dreamed up the project as a way for a new generation to get excited about Youngstown. I think by understanding that a little better and putting our history in context and telling people about the assets we have, it gives them more interest in the community and a reason to stay," DeOliveira said.
It took these Valley natives eight months to finish their documentary, and that leads to the DeYor Center Friday, where a huge crowd of people showed up for the premiere.
"I grew up in Youngstown, my mother and father, and I'd like to show it to my kids so they enjoy it," Chris Cummings of Berlin Center said.
"Just kind of interesting to see the past, present and future perspective and some city officials getting involved with the film as well," Kathleen Smith of Boardman said.
In fact, through most of the film you hear stories from local historians and government officials.
"We made a point to keep it scholarly because I think it's important to get that educated prospective rather than some of the bias looks that we've seen in the past," DeOliveira said.
To find out more about the film and any future viewings, visit www.steelvalleythemovie.com.
