With The Center celebrating its 30th anniversary this year and Pride celebrating its 30th next year, local production studio Groovy Like a Movie has decided to collaborate with these two organizations to produce 30 Years Proud, a feature length documentary contrasting topics of today with the realities of yesterday, and offering a thankful tribute to GLBT leaders who forged the way for all who have followed.

“A lot of people have said, ‘It’s time; we need to take a snapshot of the social atmosphere of today,’” Kevin Waldrop, the documentary’s producer told the Gay and Lesbian Times. “A lot of the people who have the knowledge of what happened 30 years ago are older and may not be around for much longer and we need to pass on those stories sooner than later.”

The film will explore the “tribal” stories of our community through personal interviews, historic documents and home videos, which will chronicle significant events, social changes and behind the scene accounts.

Brent Altomare, the owner of Groovy Like a Movie, will serves as executive producer on the project. Cameras will roll at the Stonewall Pride Rally this Friday, July 25, and continue through late this year. The film is planned for a fall 2004 completion date. Timing is everything for the production, which is set against the 30th anniversary of two of the most visible organizations in the GLBT community.

“I think that’s certainly a good context for the story,” said Pride Co-chair Andrea Villa. “I think the strides that we have made have been in spite of a really conservative political landscape, and we’ve also been extraordinarily lucky to have the dedication of incredible men and women activists who put their heart and soul into their work and volunteerism. You know — Jess Jessop, Jeri Dilno, Ray Johnson — so many people.”

Both Pride and The Center are sharing their knowledge of San Diego’s GLBT history, as well as their documentation of its growth over the years, for the documentary.

“I think it’s important to capture that story on film and to showcase San Diego as how one city has managed to move its LGBT community into a progressive, active and unified community,” said Shawn Ingram, director of development at The Center.

Waldrop is encouraging members of the community to get involved in the production of the film in a variety of capacities.

“Aside from needing historical and personal accounts of the last 30 years in the LGBT community,” Waldrop said, “we are also looking for experienced crew members, staff and volunteers to fill a variety of positions. We have several on the team already, but we need a proposal/grant writer, a director, and others soon.”

Anyone interested in getting involved with the film or possessing information or video footage is urged to contact Groovy Like a Movie or visit www.30YearsProud.com.