Filmmaker seeks funding for Downey High football documentary

DOWNEY – A Southern California filmmaker and local Downey Athletics Alumni are seeking donations for a possible sports documentary centered on the 1956 CIF Championship football game. 

The 1956 championship game that will be the core of the film was played between the Anaheim Colonists and the Downey Vikings – both teams undefeated, and backed by a star player of extraordinary talent.

“Anaheim and Downey – still considered small towns in the 1950’s – were truly represented by these teams, with businesses often closing early to attend games,” says film maker Paul Molina via his funding page. “And as these two 12-0 teams were about to clash in the L.A. Memorial Coliseum, the tension was palpable.”

Ultimately, the historic game ended in a 13 - 13 tie.

The documentary, titled “A Last Hurrah,” will examine “the social and cultural transformation of an entire region, when all eyes of the nation were on California…” according to the film’s Go Fund Me page. Film maker Paul Molina is currently seeking $24,000 in initial funding to go towards filming interviews with members of both championship caliber teams.

Molina’s goal is to edit a work-in-progress by November in order to obtain finishing funds from foundations and organizations dedicated to historical and cultural preservation. 

A Viking Sports Reunion will take place late next month at the Embassy Suites, where several of the ’56 Downey football team will be reuniting.