Who knew San Diegans were living in their own personal wonderland? Noah Tafolla, documentary filmmaker and Ocean Beach native, sure did, and KPBS is taking notice as well.
Having grown up in San Diego, Tafolla will present a fresh and informative perspective on the story of San Diego in his first documentary film, “Wonderland,” which aired on KPBS Oct. 18. The 26-minute film briefly covers San Diego history as a whole and exhibits insightful footage of the past and present that demonstrates Tafolla’s passionate talent for film and the city he loves.
But “Wonderland” is not the only film to expect from him – it is only the first of a series of documentaries that KPBS has commissioned from Tafolla for the year.
“It’s great,” said Tafolla. “I have been doing weddings all this time, and now I have a contract with KPBS for the next 12 months.”
A new episode will premiere every month, each featuring a different segment of San Diego. Ocean Beach is the focus of the November segment, featuring interesting tidbits about the history of the OB Christmas tree and the pier. Tafolla plans to cover Point Loma and Julian in the following months.
“It seems like people are always wanting to travel or move to other places,” he said. “But there is just so much to do, so many places to see here in San Diego.”
As a child, Tafolla grew up in Ocean Beach, where he happily remains to this day. He went to Ocean Beach Elementary School and graduated from Point Loma High School. He said he has watched San Diego transform year by year and feels not only the necessity but the desire to share what he’s seen with the world.
“It is so amazing what a few captured moments and some good music can do on film. And then you have that forever,” Tafolla said.
Initially, Tafolla began making home videos of his family, especially his children. His filmmaking career took off when word caught on around the neighborhood that Tafolla was into film, and good at it. Soon, he was asked to document weddings, which became a frequent gig. But after a while, Tafolla decided to embark on this even greater, perhaps riskier endeavor.
“I thought, well, I love making videos. I love San Diego. So, I’ll make a video with San Diego,” said Tafolla.
That’s exactly what he did and what he is thrilled to continue doing.
“Now I just do my thing. I put my camera on my shoulder and go around capturing pieces of San Diego. It’s definitely cool,” said Tafolla.
The second episode of “Wonderland” debuts on KPBS Wednesday, Nov. 29, at 9 p.m. It runs again Thursday, Nov. 30, at 10:30 p.m. right after a second airing of the first episode at 10 p.m.