Social Impact Films
is fifteen years old
and going strong.

Chicago is at the center of my story.

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My city has compelled me to tell the stories that breathe life into every street, skyscraper, bungalow, boulevard, park, and neighborhood shop. These are people like you and me, living side by side, forming communities as diverse as anywhere on the planet. And these people find ways to persevere, to thrive, and to find love around them.

 

I grew up in Humboldt Park, surrounded by Puerto Rican culture and born to Mexican parents. I have sourced my values from the example of my parents and our Mexican heritage. The integrity, compassion, and love modeled by my parents lives with me and inspires me every day.

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Growing up, I was always awestruck by beautiful cinematic moments. I remember watching Oliver Stone's Born on the Fourth of July and being profoundly moved by the characters and story. Later, while studying film at the University of Illinois at Chicago, I began my journey of figuring out how to speak to people's hearts through art and storytelling - the same way Stone did for me.

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When I founded Social Impact Films in 2009, I sought to tell the stories of people that don't often have the opportunity to share their story. I wanted to do this in my beautiful city, surrounded by the grit that defines us so well. And I wanted to do it with my values guiding me: integrity, compassion, love.

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I chose to work with the social sector because you are the people on the ground working with our neighbors, our communities, our people. The people that inject life into the brick, stone, and concrete of this great city.

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For fifteen years, I have lived this life of service - seeking to be of value to the social sector and the people it serves. I am deeply in love with the work and grateful to you for the opportunity to be of service.

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- Fernando Ávila