MOVING ARTS | Setting Hearts Ablaze by Docufilms Garners Global Acclaim for Showcasing the Transformative Power of Art in Youth Development

​For immediate release

ESPANOLA, NM — The inspiring short documentary MOVING ARTS | Setting Hearts Ablaze by the award-winning production company Docufilms is gaining international recognition for its powerful portrayal of how art can transform young lives. The film, which features the non-profit Moving Arts Española, has been named a 2025 Cannes World Film Festival Finalist, a New York International Film Award Semi-Finalist, and the Best Documentary Short winner at the Touchstone Independent Film Festival.
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Additional accolades include:
● Official Selection – Los Angeles Independent Shorts Awards
● Official Selection – East Village New York Film Festival
● Official Selection – IndieX Film Fest
● Best Original Score - TELLY Awards
● Best Documentary - TELLY Awards
● Best Social Impact - TELLY Awards

The documentary captures the essence of Moving Arts philosophy that “Art is Medicine”, illustrating how creativity, discipline, and compassionate mentorship guide children from fear and hurt toward safety, trust, and healing. Through a vibrant blend of dance, music, painting, photography, video production, gymnastics, and digital art, the organization provides a nurturing environment for self-expression, resilience, and growth.

“We were honored when DocuFilms approached us about featuring Moving Arts in their newest documentary,” said Roger Montoya, Creative Director and Co-Founder of Moving Arts. “This project beautifully captures the creativity, dedication, and impact of our program, and we were thrilled to see our students shine. When they recently shared the trailer with us, we were blown away by their innovative approach to showcasing the magic of Moving Arts.”

MOVING ARTS | Setting Hearts Ablaze features deeply moving interviews, stunning cinematography, and a narrative piece created by former Moving Arts students highlighting the growing challenges in Española, where up to 60% of students in the Rio Arriba County school district are being raised by grandparents or extended family. “It was beautiful to hear the voices
of our alumni telling our story and talking about the impact Moving Arts has had on their lives,” said Salvador Ruiz, Executive Director and Co-founder. The documentary also showcases a powerful dance performance by San Ildefonso’s Than Povi Martinez, reflecting the limitations of conventional education and the liberation that creative practice provides.

At the heart of the film are founders Roger Montoya, a 2019 CNN Hero, and Salvador Ruiz, a 2022 Univisionario, along with a passionate team of educators, alumni, and volunteers. Together, they have created a thriving community where youth are empowered to heal, grow, and lead through experiential learning and artistic exploration.

Docufilms, known for its emotionally rich and socially impactful documentaries such as Movement, BIG little, Season Two, and Eating History | A Taste of New Mexico, brought its signature storytelling approach to this heartfelt project.

“Moving Arts is a powerful example of what it means to uplift a community through creativity, discipline, and compassion,” said Docufilms director, Michael Campbell. “It was an honor and a privilege to witness the transformative impact of their work and to help share their story with a
broader audience.”

MOVING ARTS | Setting Hearts Ablaze is more than a film—it’s a celebration of community, creativity, and the unshakable belief that every child deserves a place to heal, grow, and thrive. For more information about Moving Arts or to support youth leadership initiatives, visit movingartsespanola.org

Moving Arts was approached by Docufilms following the news coverage that they were in need of a forever home. The search for a forever home continues, but the organization remains committed to staying in the Española Valley and raising the millions of dollars necessary to ensure that their doors are always open to serve the children and youth in the community.

For press inquiries, film screenings, or interviews, please contact:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 844-623-2787
Website: movingartsespanola.org
Learn more about the film and upcoming screenings at
movingartsespanola.org/events
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MOVING ARTS - Setting Hearts Ablaze official cinematic poster.

Docufilms behind the scenes during the filming of an interview of Executive Director and Co-founder of Moving Arts, Salvador Ruiz, for the award-winning documentary MOVING ARTS | Setting Hearts Ablaze.