Holden Hilal (Director) | 2025 | 10 min.
2026 Official Selection
A portrait of Oakland’s fight for clean air, told through the voices of residents, doctors, truck drivers, and children living with asthma. Led by activist Margaret Gordon, this documentary traces a community’s battle against diesel pollution, examines recent progress under local clean-air initiatives, and highlights West Oakland’s ongoing vision for a healthier, more equitable future.
I am a San Francisco-based documentary filmmaker, editor, and photographer with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Broadcast Journalism & Documentary from Chapman University’s Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, and a minor in Earth and Its Environment.
My work explores the relationship between people, the places they live, and the challenges they face, focusing on stories that highlight resilience and the strength of local communities in the face of adversity. Whether documenting the effects of diesel pollution in West Oakland or capturing the legacy of rural farmers in northern Thailand, I aim to tell stories that spark reflection and inspire connection.
My storytelling approach blends immersive, observational filmmaking with thoughtful interviews, creating space for people to share their lived experiences. I strive to build understanding across backgrounds and perspectives, using film and photography as mediums for connection.
