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.
Why This Project Matters
Major downtown projects—the Sports & Entertainment District, a new arena, and mixed-use developments—are transforming the Eastside. They promise investment and infrastructure but risk higher property values, displacement, and loss of neighborhood identity. City plans note nearby communities like Denver Heights will feel these impacts. Residents already warn of gentrification and cultural erasure.
This documentary aims to record and uplift the stories of Denver Heights now, preserving the Black community’s history before it’s lost. Your support will help ensure its people, places, and culture are remembered and respected.
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
This documentary is being created at a critical moment. It is an effort to document, preserve, and elevate the voices, stories, and legacy of a historic Black community before those stories are permanently altered by change.
Residents across San Antonio have already voiced concerns about gentrification, cultural erasure, and the need to preserve existing communities and stories.
This means one thing: the history of Denver Heights is not just important—it is at risk of being overlooked or lost as the city grows.
Your support helps ensure that the people, places, and culture that built Denver Heights are not erased—but remembered, respected, and carried forward.
Join Us In Sponsorship
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
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
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