One of the Most Important, Timely, Inspiring Films You’ll See
RAMON RISING© is the documentary film about the life of Ramon Resa, MD. Ramon’s mother gave him away to a farm working couple who raised him as one of 15 children in their household. He grew up living in severe poverty, neglect and abuse in Central Valley, California. From early childhood on, Ramon was hired out to perform back-breaking farm labor.
4K Film PREVIEW | The Story of Ramon Resa, MD – The Abandoned Boy Who Became a Doctor | In Production Now | Projected Release: 2020 | Includes interviews with: Dan Lowenstein, MD – Executive Vice Chancellor & Provost at UCSF, Professor and Vice Chairman in the UCSF Department of Neurology, Executive Producer, Diane Wagner.
Against All Odds
One of Ramon’s grade school teachers told him that he didn’t have to be a farmworker for the rest of his life. She encouraged him to get a college education explaining that with a degree Ramon could choose any career he wanted. Upon hearing her words, hope for a better future was birthed in Ramon’s heart and he set his sights on making it to college. His pilgrimage out of the hot, dusty fields to becoming a pediatrician was filled with tremendous adversity. He faced racial discrimination by school officials and students as well as fierce opposition from his guardians who forbade him to go to college, insisting he get a job after high school to earn an income and help support them.
Celebrating The Indomitable Human Spirit
Despite his Dickensian childhood, Ramon made it through college and medical school. When he received a license to practice medicine, Dr. Resa went straight back to the Central Valley and got to work. For over 30 years he’s provided pediatric care for kids like he once was. Dr. Resa is living proof to his young patients that they too can make a better future for themselves. Audiences of all ages, ethnicities and backgrounds will come away from watching RAMON RISING in awe of the indomitable human spirit’s power to overcome all obstacles in the way of finding a better life. They’ll likely join many who hear Dr. Resa’s story in thinking, “If he can overcome all the issues and problems in his life to become a doctor, I can overcome mine too!”
Debunking Negative Myths & Stereotypes
RAMON RISING is an antidote to today’s epidemic of intolerance, negative attitudes, hateful speech and threats against immigrants. Dr. Resa’s life convincingly debunks stereotypes and myths based in race, culture, and language concerning the intelligence, aptitude, and motivation of migrant workers who come to America in search of a better life. His story testifies to the universal truth that every child (including an abandoned Mexican American boy with a speech impediment, no family, and zero resources) has the potential to become a valuable, contributing member of our society.
Ramon’s story is the story of human potential, the unique personal potential that exists within us independently from any external source. It is also a story of hope and how we can keep it alive inside, even when there is no visible evidence that our dreams can come true … Ramon is a unique and gifted individual with an important place in history. His legacy will be felt for many generations. | Jim Cathcart – Author of The Acorn Principle
CONTACT: Diane Wagner, Executive Producer | Diane@RamonRising.Film