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Branching out Documentary

Branching Out (2025), running time 41 minutes 21 seconds, is a documentary that celebrates Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi American (APIDA) voices rooted in Tucson. It highlights stories of identity, resilience, and impact through the lives of four remarkable individuals: Feng Feng, the visionary behind the Chinese Chorizo cultural events; Dr. Jacqueline Barrios, a professor and cultural educator at the University of Arizona; Matt Denney, a performing and visual artist with deep ties to the APASA community; and Dr. Saha, a surgeon specializing in endocrine surgery and surgical oncology. The narrative unfolds through the metaphor of a tree: the roots representing the foundations of Asian heritage in Tucson, the branches embodying the guidance and influence of APIDA role models, and the leaves symbolizing students and future generations who carry their legacies forward to inspire change. After the screening, Branching Out will conclude with an interactive tree art piece inviting audience members to reflect on the role models who have shaped them. This evolving art installation will be displayed at the University of Arizona, celebrating the enduring impact of APIDA voices in our community. Through this documentary, we aim to amplify the stories of APIDA individuals while also providing students with role models in various spheres of life. By showcasing these remarkable journeys, we hope to encourage students to find their voice, embrace their identity, and see the potential for their impact within their communities and beyond.

Documentary by Nikhil Johnson

THE SHOW'S ADULT CONTENT AND PROFANITY IS TREATED RESPECTFULLY AND ALWAYS PRESENTED WITH AUTHENTICITY. THE ONLY CHANGES IN THE CONTENT FROM PREVIOUS PRODUCTIONS I'VE SEEN INCLUDE THE USE OF AN OPAQUE SCREEN DURING A SEX SCENE, SO THE INTIMACY BETWEEN TWO CHARACTERS IS DEPICTED AS SHADOWS, AND THE OMISSION OF A MOMENT OF BRIEF NUDITY–CHANGES THAT DO NOT DIMINISH THE IMPACT OF THESE MOMENTS AIDED BY THE CONTRIBUTION OF INTIMACY DIRECTOR MATT DENNEY. THE DIRECTION ACHIEVES RAW AND EMOTIONALLY INTENSE PERFORMANCES FROM THE CAST.

— Gil Benbrook, Spring Awakening Review

What People Are Saying

Matt Denney is innovative, practical, and reliable – three qualities that are indispensable in theatre and arts profession.

— M.M

Matt does an incredible job doing transformative work for organizations and artists

— B.F

He is a compassionate and community-minded individual and he has an ability to engage students in community outreach and to get buy-in from an established organization to participate in new programming, and is a testament to his consensus-building and management skills.

— K.B

Testimonials

C.T

He is a good actor. Amazingly so, for someone his age. He has the wisdom to know so many things, and I know he will have so many performances.

A.D

Matt Denney is more than just an advisor, he’s also a great friend that I can always go to to talk about anything. He has a way of making everyone around him feel welcomed, comfortable and supported. Matt Denney is an outstanding mentor and anyone would be lucky to have him in their life.

M.A

Throughout my time working with Matt he has never once doubted me, but had been a consistent support system whether that be alleviating self doubt, offering assistance when needed, or even just being somebody to talk to. I believe anyone that gets the chance to work with Matt Denney comes out a better person because of it

C.H

Matt is a fantastic individual who is extremely dedicated to ensuring that every student he engages with has all of the supports they need. In the short time that I have known him, he has demonstrated his ability to connect with students with enthusiasm

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