DENVER HEIGHTS
THE HEART OF THE EASTSIDE
A DOCUMENTARY FILM
Denver Heights
The Heart of the Eastside
A Documentary Film by Melaneyes Media
Preserving the Story of a Historic San Antonio Community
Denver Heights is one of San Antonio’s oldest historically Black neighborhoods. For generations it was a place where Black residents built homes, businesses, churches, schools, and strong community ties during a time when segregation limited opportunity elsewhere.
Doctors, teachers, Pullman porters, sanitation workers, preachers, barbers, and beauticians all lived within the same neighborhood. They faced many of the same challenges, yet through cooperation, and determination they built a thriving community.
Why This Project Matters
As San Antonio grows, long-standing neighborhoods are experiencing rapid change.
At the same time, Black history is slowly being removed from many of the places where people once learned about the past.
Information is disappearing from websites, public spaces, and even school books. Funding for historical and educational projects is also becoming harder to secure, and when it is available it often comes with restrictions.
Because of this, we are inviting businesses and community members to help support this project.
By contributing to this documentary, you are helping preserve the legacy of Denver Heights and ensuring that future generations can learn the stories that helped shape our city.
Watch the Trailer
You can view the official trailer for the film, by clicking on the video above.
About the Film
Produced and directed by Melaneyes Media, this documentary explores the history, culture, and legacy of Denver Heights while also examining the changes the neighborhood faces today.
The film features interviews with community leaders, historians, and residents connected to the neighborhood’s past and present.
Featured voices include:
•Dr. Charles Gentry
•Jerelyne Williams
•Mario Salas
•Tommy Calvert – Bexar County Commissioner, Precinct 4
•Charles Williams
…and many others.
Executive Producer: Frank Dunn
With community support, the film is scheduled for release in 2026.
Support the Film
Businesses, organizations, and community members can support the production of this documentary through sponsorship or individual contributions.
Your support helps fund:
• Historical research and archival materials
• Filming and interviews
• Editing and post-production
• Music licensing and sound design
• Community screenings and educational outreach
Fundraising Progress
We’ve raised $3,520 of our $25,000 goal.
Every contribution supports research, filming, editing, music, and community screenings that preserve the legacy of Denver Heights.
THANK YOU TO OUR CONTRIBUTORS
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THANK YOU TO OUR CONTRIBUTORS •
Our Contributors
Molly Fohn
Deborah Harris
Twyla Varnado
Anonymous Doner
Eva Miller
Jessica Latimer
Paul Davis
Pamela Anderson
Rose Sewell
Bernard Stahl
Yulanee H. Mcknight
Leslie Provence
Business Sponsors Introduction
We invite businesses and organizations to support the production of this documentary while gaining meaningful recognition for investing in the preservation of San Antonio’s history. Sponsorship opportunities range from Executive Producer and Associate Producer credits to Gold and Silver level support, each offering a unique level of visibility, engagement, and connection to this important cultural project.
Legacy Executive Producer — $15,000
Highest level of partnership.
Includes:
• Executive Producer credit in the film
• Logo or business name featured in opening and closing credits
• Professional video feature of your business produced by Melaneyes Media
• Business highlighted within the documentary when appropriate
• Recognition at premiere and public screenings
• Recognition on project website and promotional materials
• Opportunity to host a private screening for your organization
• 10 premiere tickets
Associate Producer Sponsor — $7,500
Includes:
• Associate Producer credit in the film
• Logo or business name in film credits
• Featured recognition on project website
• Business highlighted within the documentary when appropriate
• Recognition at premiere and public screenings
• Social media recognition
• Invitation to sponsor preview screening
• 6 premiere tickets
Gold Level Sponsor — $3,500
Includes:
• Business name listed in film credits
• Recognition on project website
• Social media recognition
• Invitation to sponsor preview screening
• 4 premiere tickets
Silver Level Sponsor — $1,500
Includes:
• Business name listed in film credits
• Recognition on project website
• Recognition at premiere event
• 2 premiere tickets
Individual Contribution Introduction
Community members, families, and individuals are also invited to support this film and help preserve the legacy of Denver Heights. Every contribution plays a role in documenting this history and ensuring that future generations can learn from the stories, people, and experiences that shaped the neighborhood.
Denver Heights Heritage Supporter — $500
Name dedication in film credits (in honor of a loved one or family member)
1 premiere ticket
Community Contributor — $250
Name listed in film credits
Friend of the Film — $100
Name listed on project website
Support at Any Level
We understand that everyone’s ability to give is different. If you would like to support this project with a custom contribution, you may do so here.
Every donation—regardless of the amount—helps us continue documenting the history.
How Contributions Will Be Used
Every contribution to Denver Heights: The Heart of the Eastside directly supports the creation and preservation of this documentary film.
Funds raised for this project are used to document the history, voices, and legacy of Denver Heights with care, accuracy, and high production quality.
Your support helps make the following possible:
Historical Research & Archival Materials
Locating, licensing, and preserving historical photos, documents, and records that tell the story of Denver Heights.
Filming & Interviews
Capturing interviews with community members, historians, and leaders, along with on-location footage throughout the neighborhood.
Editing & Post-Production
Shaping the story through editing, color correction, and final production to ensure a polished and impactful film.
Music Licensing & Sound Design
Securing music and creating sound design that reflects the tone, history, and emotional depth of the story.
Community Screenings & Educational Outreach
Hosting screenings, sharing the film with the public, and making it accessible as an educational resource for future generations.
Budget Breakdown
Stay Informed
Join our mailing list to get updates on the film's progress.
Working to keep the once-thriving Denver Heights area alive
By Vincent T. Davis,Staff writerJuly 1, 2024
Frank Dunn, Jerelyne R. Williams, and Baba Aundar Ma'at pose for a portrait at Pittman-Sullivan Park on Tuesday, May 28, 2024 in San Antonio. Businessman Frank Dunn and filmmaker Baba Aundar Ma'at are partnering to make a documentary about the history of Denver Heights, one of the oldest African American neighborhoods in San Antonio.
Be Connected
This page will serve as the central hub for updates related to the film, including:
Production updates
Fundraising progress
Featured interviews
Trailer releases
Premiere announcements
Community events
Contact Us
For sponsorship opportunities or additional information:
Born Logic Allah
Melaneyes Media
logic@melaneyesmedia.com
(210) 560-1733