August 29, 2026
The Gala Screening
An elegant evening benefiting Kern Bridges Youth Homes — featuring a special screening of the Emmy Award-winning documentary Possible Selves and a live conversation with its filmmaker and stars.
Purchase Tickets or Make a DonationDate
August 29, 2026
Saturday Evening
Venue
Bakersfield Music Hall of Fame
2230 Q St, Bakersfield, CA 93301
Beneficiary
Kern Bridges Youth Homes
Supporting Foster Youth in Kern County
Evening Schedule
An Evening in Three Acts
5:45 – 6:30 PM
Reception
Welcome Reception open to attendees with Reception Tickets. Heavy appetizers along with beer, wine, and soft drinks will be served. Mingle, connect, and celebrate with the filmmaker and stars. We invite you to dress up for the occasion — festive and polished, but no tuxedos or formal gowns required.
6:30 – 8:00 PM
Documentary Screening
Full screening of Possible Selves, the 2025 LA Area Emmy Award-winning documentary.
8:00 – 9:00 PM
Q&A with Filmmaker & Subjects
Live Q&A with filmmaker Shaun Kadlec and stars Alex Ballantyne and Mia Derisso — moderated by Kern Bridges CEO Jim VanderZwan.
Live Q&A
Meet the Voices Behind the Film
Following the screening, join a candid conversation with the people who lived it.
Shaun Kadlec
Filmmaker
Bakersfield native and award-winning documentary filmmaker, Kadlec spent years alongside Alex and Mia to bring their stories to the world, earning the 2025 LA Area Emmy Award for Independent Programming.
Alex Ballantyne
Star
We first meet Alex at 14, entering a new foster home while dreaming of college and a music career. His journey forms the emotional backbone of the film — and his story continues today. Alex is attending UC Santa Barbara.
Mia Derisso
Star
Our introduction to Mia coincides with the eve of her attending college. She is a survivor of severe abuse who finds strength in her supportive foster family as past trauma resurfaces. She returns from Italy to join us at this special screening.
The Venue
Bakersfield Music Hall of Fame
2230 Q St, Bakersfield, CA 93301
A landmark cultural venue in the heart of Bakersfield — fitting for an evening celebrating storytelling, community, and the power of art to change lives.
View on Google Maps →
Reserve Your Seat
Join Us for the Screening
Tickets are available for individual attendees. All proceeds benefit Kern Bridges Youth Homes and its programs supporting foster youth in Kern County.