“I would do anything to keep playing here. This is my second family,” HRVHS student Domingo Barragan tells Eagles varsity soccer coach Jaime Rivera during an emotional moment in the upcoming feature documentary Hood River.
On its face, Hood River follows the 2017 HRVHS boys’ soccer team during their bid to win the state championship. However, the classic tale of athletes going for gold is really a poignant look at a group of boys facing adversity, taking risks, and navigating new opportunities — all while contending with their different backgrounds and life experiences. Although based in New York, director Jonathan (Jono) Field of Stick Figure Productions has created a bold, honest film about the challenges of growing up in our small yet diverse community.
The story primarily unfolds through the perspectives of student athletes Domingo Barragan and Erik Siekkenen, and their coach, Jaime Rivera. Throughout the movie, we see Domingo face his father’s deportation trial and the fallout from his eventual deportation. Erik, the team captain, struggles to unite his fellow students. “I just assumed that I could be a leader,” he admits, “but it’s really not very easy.” Through all of this, Coach Rivera supports his athletes and helps them work through the team’s cultural and class differences. In the end, of course, the team goes for gold.
The Hood River County Education Foundation, in partnership with Stick Figure Productions, is hosting the premiere of Hood River before it hits theaters and streaming services. Join us for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity at HRVHS Henderson Community Stadium on Thursday, September 9. HRCEF will provide food, music, and a facilitated conversation with the cast and director. The film will be screened following the discussion.
This is a free event, and open to all members of our community. We hope to see you there!
COVID-19 Protocol
Masks and social distancing are encouraged. Masks are required if attendees can’t maintain 6 feet of distance between households, per Oregon Governor’s orders. COVID-19 protocol is subject to change.
Thursday, September 9, 2021
Schedule of Events
| 6:30 – 7:30 PM | Food & Music |
| 7:30 – 8:00 PM | Discussion with Cast & Director |
| 8:00 – 9:20 PM | Movie Screening |
Location
