(working title)

The project is being funded by benefactor Mr. Bruce Presley of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, who operates The Downtown Loft Studio. The project  celebrates GLBT persons who have been murdered because of their sexual orientation or gender identity and how their community responded. As structured, "The project will be informative and educational in nature while telling this captivating story" said Director Murray.

During our many emails and telephone calls, Tom said, "I'm exploring stories of people who have been motivated to "fight back" in some manner by taking action against hate crimes. In doing these stories, I of course want to honor the victims, but much of the focus will be on the group efforts. I'm hoping the film would be motivating or inspiring to others."

After discussing Mr. Murray’s vision with the Corrales family and receiving their permission, the project was "green lighted" by Mr. Presley, and Amancio's story and The Amancio Project is the first in what may well become a series of stories.

The Corrales family and The Amancio Project is excited on many levels. "This is a beautiful way to memorialize Amancio." It will also help to bring National, and eventually world-wide, attention to the subject of bias-based (hate) crimes and the importance of getting involved when we become aware of such tragic incidents. On the local level, it will assist in bringing much needed attention to Yuma’s "often lost in the shuffle" portion of Southern Arizona.

April 1, 2008, was spent filming and interviewing the Corrales family; first at the cemetery, then at the Court House. After a hardy lunch we caravanned to the Corrales home. Several interviews were conducted there along with documenting Amancio’s room and life. The most difficult, yet touching, interview was that of Mrs. Corrales. One could feel her grief.

Toward sunset, a good friend of Amancio’s, his sister, and the crew went to the murder scene. Being at the scene again was a moving experience and many sad memories flooded the minds of those intimately involved in this tragic event. The effect on the crew was profound and inspirational as we watched one of Yuma’s best features, a simple Sunset. It was a touching moment after a difficult day.

April 2, 2008, was spent filming and interviewing me in my home. Allot of background information was gathered and some rather "embarrassing" pictures of me as a youth was committed to film. Much of the interview centered on what motivated me to create The Amancio Project and the importance of standing up and speaking out for those who no longer are able to speak for themselves.

After a late lunch we made our way back to the murder scene. The emotional impact was stronger than the day before as I began to describe what possibly happened during the early morning hours of May 6, 2005, at this dark and quiet spot of the Colorado River. As we explored the area more closely, we found the remains of a Memorial Cross that had been erected at the site. We gathered up what we could find; pieces of the cross, some artificial flowers and the remaining few beads of a rosary.

Tom and Stu left for Phoenix the next morning; Tom back to Florida while Stu now took on the title of Second Unit Director and interviewed Mr. Sam Holdren of Equality Arizona. Sam was instrumental in moving The Amancio Project out of the local domain and into the State level spotlight. Without him, the Project may have never been as successful as it has become. Stu also spent some time with Senator Amanda Aguirre (D-24). Senator Aguirre has supported The Amancio Project from the beginning. She was of great comfort to the family and encouraged other legislative leaders in an effort to change existing statues surrounding sexual identification and gender identity.

The Documentary is scheduled to be completed sometime late after the first of the year. The Amancio Project is hoping to have preview of it here in Yuma sometime after that.  The Documentary is a powerful way to inspire a dialogue and educate communities about one of the most serious issues facing GLBT individuals: Hate or bias-based crimes.

Then on April 28, 2008, the proposed documentary under the working title of “Gay American Heroes,” which was to feature four separate crimes against GLBT individuals, will now only feature The Amancio Project.

The Director, Mr. Tom Murray, after reviewing the film footage gathered during his recent visit to Yuma, and conferring with the films financial backer Bruce Presley, decided the film will be better served as a "stand alone" production. They made this decision because they were so impressed by the story and the impact of those interviewed so far.

The film makers returned to Yuma on May 25 and remained through May 30 in order “flesh out the story more,” said director Murray. “There are too many intriguing and important aspects to this story which need to be told.”

During this time additional interviews were conducted with family, friends, news agencies who have been covering this story from the beginning and interviews with some people connected to to me and the other projects he is involved in.

May 31, will be spent in Phoenix interviewing friends of Amancio and touching on he life there as a good friend and performer as a female impersonator.

On July 9th, the crew returned to Yuma to be present for the Final Trial Management Conference (FTMC) scheduled for July 10th. During that week they were able to interview a person who was with Amancio the night of the murder. The also filmed a meeting of The Yuma County Gay Rights Meetup, another group I am associated with as well filming more establishing shots and Yuma background.

The crew will be returning to Yuma on the 4th of August after spending time in Phoenix where they hope to film some of the female impersonators and friends of Amancio. There are still a couple of interviews they hope to get while here.

The Amancio Project is privileged to receive this recognition. It is a testament to all the hard work done by many to keep the murder and memory of Amancio Corrales in the hearts and minds of the public. Without continued public scrutiny, GLBT related crimes often go unnoticed.

Michael H. Baughman, Founder

The Amancio Project