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A Sad Day for Friends of the Amancio Project

On July 29, 2010, Mr. T. Joe Murray (Tom), the director of Amancio...Two Faces on a Tombstone and good friend of The Amancio Project, died of a heart attack at his home in Florida. His generosity, friendly spirit, bright smile and talent will be will be missed.

Faviola (Amancio's Sister), Tom (the Director) and Michael (the Protagonist) of Amancio...Two Faces on a Tombstone.

Tom was a resident of Sarasota, Florida and worked as a home inspector, primarily so he could indulge his passion, documentary film making. It was his distinctive talent as a film maker he found enthusiasm. He is survived by his life life-long companion and friend, Vince, who have been together for many years. There will be a service to celebrate Tom's life on Saturday, August 14, 2010, at 1:00pm, at the Church of the Trinti MCC, on Lockwood Ridge Road, Sarasota. Vince extends a gracious invitation to anyone who is able to attend.

Tom Murray studied filmmaking in his college years, and yet it was only in his “50+” years that he tackled his first feature length film. Tom made several documentaries, all celebrating Gay, Lesbian, Bi-sexual or Transgender (GLBT) lives; their triumphs and travails including "FARM FAMILY" In Search of Gay Life in Rural America (as seen on LOGO TV); "FISH CAN'T FLY;" "ALMOST MYSELF;" "TELL;" and "A PORTABLE TRIBE."

These films shed light on GLBT issues, and his last documentary "Amancio…Two Faces of a Tombstone" is no exception. He considered “Amancio” his finest work, saying at the time "This project will be informative and educational in nature while telling the captivating story of one man's journey to bring comfort to a grieving family and justice for Amancio."

When Tom first contacted me by email in February 2007, he said, "I'm exploring stories of people who have been motivated to "fight back" in some manner by taking action agaist hate crimes. In doing these stories, I of course want to honor the victims, but much of the focus will be on the group and individual efforts. I'm hoping the film would be motivating or inspiring to other."

The Corrales family and The Amancio Project was 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 March 31, 2008, filming began and was completed late February 2009. During that span of time Tom made several trips to Yuma for filming and a wonderful and rewarding friendship flourished between us. We saw each other often during filming and kept in close contact via phone and email after his last visit to Yuma.

Michael H. Baughman, Founder

The Amancio Project