The American Graffiti Festival in Modesto for 2025 was June 6-8. It is a window into the heart and soul of Modesto, California. I have done my best to give you a taste of how it looks and feels to experience this amazing community gathering. Special thanks to everyone involved. Stay tuned here: americangraffitifestival.com
American Graffiti (1973)
George Lucas onset for American Graffiti.
For those new to what I’m talking about, let’s begin with the 1973 classic film by George Lucas, American Graffiti. Does that sound familiar? All you need to know is that 29-year-old George Lucas, almost on a dare, put his already remarkable talents on the line in an attempt to prove he could make a “mainstream major motion picture.” Of course, Lucas was going to make it his way and that approach, long extended scenes without any obvious narrative, was way ahead of its time. Today, most people who know of this film fondly remember it as a homage to youth. This was the early ’60s era, still full of hope but steadily becoming wise to the world. This was George’s youth in Modesto, a closely-knit community that valued the simple pleasures of life.
When we find common ground, we can move mountains. No one person or organization “owns” the Modesto classic car festival. It is an organic thing. It belongs to the community. Without a doubt, this annual event is a window into the heart and soul of Modesto. It’s not just about the cars. It’s about the people. It’s about family. It’s about a sense of purpose. So, yeah, I encourage everyone who can to make it out to the next Modesto American Graffiti Festival. It’s on the first full weekend in June. As I said, this year it was June 6-8, with a special preview “Walk of Fame” event on Wednesday, June 5th.
The main event is the parade and I just felt compelled to make a short film about it. I forgo any direct narration or explanation and use the “pure cinema” method favored by George Lucas. Part of the secret to doing a short film right is to let the subject speak to you. That’s exactly what I did. Over the course of many hours, bit by bit, I collected choice moments that gradually built up to a cohesive whole back in the editing room.
Texas Funk
Special thanks go out to this amazing band that I caught on the first day of the Car Show at Modesto Junior College. The band is Texas Funk and you can keep up with them on their Facebook page: https://www.
By all means, stay tuned and really consider coming out to the next festival! You can get details here:
If you wait long enough in Modesto, you will spot a classic car. That’s just the way Modesto rolls. So, maybe strike up a conversation with a local and they will most likely want to share their knowledge with you. I chatted with a gentleman who has an amazing custom-built classic car. In fact, it’s all in the family. His son has his own custom classic car project he’s working on. As for dad, his car is very special and he’s bequeathed it to his son with the trust stipulating that he has to keep it in the family at least long enough to pass it down to his children. Seems like an easy agreement to keep! You can say that’s what Modesto is doing: keeping it in the family and passing it on to future generations.
