The First Save
Cleveland, Ohio | Film Short
History, Drama
During the 1968 riots, a Black paramedic’s first save becomes a legacy he shares with his son ten years later. The First Save is a powerful short film honoring America’s first Black paramedics — rooted in truth, legacy, and purpose.
The First Save
Cleveland, Ohio | Film Short
History, Drama
1 Campaigns | Ohio, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $8,975 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
96 supporters | followers
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During the 1968 riots, a Black paramedic’s first save becomes a legacy he shares with his son ten years later. The First Save is a powerful short film honoring America’s first Black paramedics — rooted in truth, legacy, and purpose.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Before 911. Before paramedics were even a thing. There was Freedom House.
Set against the chaos of the 1968 Pittsburgh riots, The First Save follows Alexander Carter — one of the first Black paramedics in America — as he responds to a dying man in the street. It’s his first emergency call, and the city is literally on fire. Ten years later, in 1978, Alexander is now a cab driver, haunted by his past. When his young son finds his old uniform and asks, “Did you really save people?” Alexander finally tells the story that changed his life.
Concept imagery/Mood Board
Think Moonlight meets Judas and the Black Messiah — a personal reckoning inside a historical revolution.
Why This Story?
Because before there was “EMS,” there were Black men in Pittsburgh who trained, showed up, and saved lives — even as the city tried to forget them. Freedom House Ambulance Service was the first of its kind, born in a neighborhood the government neglected. The First Save honors them with a story of courage, responsibility, and a father trying to pass down something more than survival.
Why Now?
Because history like this doesn’t just get erased — it gets replaced. Because we’re still living in the shadow of systems that ignore Black pain. Because if you don’t tell your story, someone else will. And they’ll get it wrong.
Why Me?
I’m a filmmaker and father based in Cleveland. When I discovered the story of Freedom House, it struck a deep chord within me. I’d never seen their legacy captured on screen. I’m a storyteller by trade, and The First Save is my way of saying: they mattered.
WHERE WE ARE & WHAT YOU’RE FUNDING
We’ve written the script, secured our core team, and are aiming to shoot this fall in Cleveland, with locations, design, and wardrobe styled to reflect Pittsburgh in 1968 and 1978.
This campaign will fund:
- Cast and crew wages
- Production design (1970s homes, street scenes, EMS uniforms)
- Equipment rentals (camera, lighting, audio)
- Locations & permits
- Post-production (editing, color, score, sound mix)
Stretch Goals:
- Commission an original score
- Host community screenings in Pittsburgh and Cleveland
- Fund an educational toolkit about Freedom House for schools and libraries
Delivery Plan:
- Film this fall
- Submit to festivals in Spring/Summer 2026
- Digital release for backers + public after the festival run
- Select in-person and online screenings for supporters
HOW YOU CAN HELP
- Follow this campaign (it helps unlock resources for us)
- Pledge what you can — every dollar helps us save this story
- Share it — copy this message below and post it anywhere: "Just backed The First Save, a powerful short film inspired by the true story of America’s first Black paramedics. Share This Link #TheFirstSave #FreedomHouseFilm"
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
RED Camera (Purchase)
Costs $700
A filmmaker friend is offering us their RED camera at a deep discount — giving us pro-level image quality and flexibility for future project
Sound Equipment
Costs $800
Crisp, clean audio helps bring the emotion to life in every scene.
Lighting & Grip
Costs $700
Light shapes mood — and we’ll use it to make this film look cinematic on a budget.
Wardrobe & Props
Costs $600
Authentic vintage looks and key props from the 1960s and 70s.
Makeup & Hair
Costs $600
Era-specific looks to ground each character in time and place.
Production Design
Costs $600
Details matter — we’re recreating Pittsburgh’s past with care.
Locations & Permits
Costs $600
Legal access to meaningful and period-accurate locations. Also purchase elements for virtual wall
Meals & Craft Services
Costs $600
Keeping our cast and crew energized and cared for on set.
Crew Travel
Costs $500
Helping our small team get where they need to go.
Insurance & Contingency
Costs $600
Coverage for gear and a buffer for unexpected costs.
Post-Production
Costs $700
Editing, color grading, and sound design to complete the vision.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Executive Producer / Co-Director / Writer: Orlando Suazo
Freedom House was created and written by Orlando Suazo, a filmmaker with over a decade of experience in video production, editing, and storytelling. With a deep passion for cinematic storytelling and historical narratives, Orlando brings a unique perspective and creative vision to this project, blending rigorous research with powerful character-driven drama. This project reflects a personal commitment to honoring untold stories that remain as relevant today as they ever were. As Executive Producer, Orlando will oversee creative development and ensure the integrity of the film’s narrative and historical foundation.
Director/Producer: Jonathan Dillon
Jonathan Dillon is an accomplished creative director, producer, and filmmaker with over 15 years of experience spanning film, television, and branded content. His career includes producing for NBCUniversal, directing commercial campaigns, and developing award-winning independent projects such as the Oscar-qualified short film Celluloid Dreams. A graduate of USC’s Film Production program, Jonathan brings a unique blend of creative vision, production management expertise, and business acumen to the Freedom House producing team.
Producer/Lead Actor: Jor-El Washington
Jor-El Washington is a dynamic film producer with extensive experience bringing diverse stories to life across narrative, digital, and independent film projects. As co-founder of ALL LOVE NO BEEF, Jor-El has successfully managed productions ranging from five- to six-figure budgets, leading teams through all phases of filmmaking — from development and pre-production through post and delivery. His collaborative approach and leadership across production logistics, budgeting, and content creation make him a key contributor to the Freedom House producing team.
Producer: Chris Rayle
Chris Rayle is an experienced producer and director with over two decades of hands-on experience across film, television, digital content, and commercial production. His credits include work for NBC, Disney, HGTV, DIY Network, Travel Channel, HyVee, Dr. Pepper, and Capital Federal. In addition to his wide-ranging production expertise, Chris serves as an adjunct professor at Cleveland State University’s School of Film and Media Arts. His extensive industry knowledge, teaching experience, and production leadership bring both creative and operational strength to the Freedom House team.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Before 911. Before paramedics were even a thing. There was Freedom House.
Set against the chaos of the 1968 Pittsburgh riots, The First Save follows Alexander Carter — one of the first Black paramedics in America — as he responds to a dying man in the street. It’s his first emergency call, and the city is literally on fire. Ten years later, in 1978, Alexander is now a cab driver, haunted by his past. When his young son finds his old uniform and asks, “Did you really save people?” Alexander finally tells the story that changed his life.
Concept imagery/Mood Board
Think Moonlight meets Judas and the Black Messiah — a personal reckoning inside a historical revolution.
Why This Story?
Because before there was “EMS,” there were Black men in Pittsburgh who trained, showed up, and saved lives — even as the city tried to forget them. Freedom House Ambulance Service was the first of its kind, born in a neighborhood the government neglected. The First Save honors them with a story of courage, responsibility, and a father trying to pass down something more than survival.
Why Now?
Because history like this doesn’t just get erased — it gets replaced. Because we’re still living in the shadow of systems that ignore Black pain. Because if you don’t tell your story, someone else will. And they’ll get it wrong.
Why Me?
I’m a filmmaker and father based in Cleveland. When I discovered the story of Freedom House, it struck a deep chord within me. I’d never seen their legacy captured on screen. I’m a storyteller by trade, and The First Save is my way of saying: they mattered.
WHERE WE ARE & WHAT YOU’RE FUNDING
We’ve written the script, secured our core team, and are aiming to shoot this fall in Cleveland, with locations, design, and wardrobe styled to reflect Pittsburgh in 1968 and 1978.
This campaign will fund:
- Cast and crew wages
- Production design (1970s homes, street scenes, EMS uniforms)
- Equipment rentals (camera, lighting, audio)
- Locations & permits
- Post-production (editing, color, score, sound mix)
Stretch Goals:
- Commission an original score
- Host community screenings in Pittsburgh and Cleveland
- Fund an educational toolkit about Freedom House for schools and libraries
Delivery Plan:
- Film this fall
- Submit to festivals in Spring/Summer 2026
- Digital release for backers + public after the festival run
- Select in-person and online screenings for supporters
HOW YOU CAN HELP
- Follow this campaign (it helps unlock resources for us)
- Pledge what you can — every dollar helps us save this story
- Share it — copy this message below and post it anywhere: "Just backed The First Save, a powerful short film inspired by the true story of America’s first Black paramedics. Share This Link #TheFirstSave #FreedomHouseFilm"
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
RED Camera (Purchase)
Costs $700
A filmmaker friend is offering us their RED camera at a deep discount — giving us pro-level image quality and flexibility for future project
Sound Equipment
Costs $800
Crisp, clean audio helps bring the emotion to life in every scene.
Lighting & Grip
Costs $700
Light shapes mood — and we’ll use it to make this film look cinematic on a budget.
Wardrobe & Props
Costs $600
Authentic vintage looks and key props from the 1960s and 70s.
Makeup & Hair
Costs $600
Era-specific looks to ground each character in time and place.
Production Design
Costs $600
Details matter — we’re recreating Pittsburgh’s past with care.
Locations & Permits
Costs $600
Legal access to meaningful and period-accurate locations. Also purchase elements for virtual wall
Meals & Craft Services
Costs $600
Keeping our cast and crew energized and cared for on set.
Crew Travel
Costs $500
Helping our small team get where they need to go.
Insurance & Contingency
Costs $600
Coverage for gear and a buffer for unexpected costs.
Post-Production
Costs $700
Editing, color grading, and sound design to complete the vision.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Executive Producer / Co-Director / Writer: Orlando Suazo
Freedom House was created and written by Orlando Suazo, a filmmaker with over a decade of experience in video production, editing, and storytelling. With a deep passion for cinematic storytelling and historical narratives, Orlando brings a unique perspective and creative vision to this project, blending rigorous research with powerful character-driven drama. This project reflects a personal commitment to honoring untold stories that remain as relevant today as they ever were. As Executive Producer, Orlando will oversee creative development and ensure the integrity of the film’s narrative and historical foundation.
Director/Producer: Jonathan Dillon
Jonathan Dillon is an accomplished creative director, producer, and filmmaker with over 15 years of experience spanning film, television, and branded content. His career includes producing for NBCUniversal, directing commercial campaigns, and developing award-winning independent projects such as the Oscar-qualified short film Celluloid Dreams. A graduate of USC’s Film Production program, Jonathan brings a unique blend of creative vision, production management expertise, and business acumen to the Freedom House producing team.
Producer/Lead Actor: Jor-El Washington
Jor-El Washington is a dynamic film producer with extensive experience bringing diverse stories to life across narrative, digital, and independent film projects. As co-founder of ALL LOVE NO BEEF, Jor-El has successfully managed productions ranging from five- to six-figure budgets, leading teams through all phases of filmmaking — from development and pre-production through post and delivery. His collaborative approach and leadership across production logistics, budgeting, and content creation make him a key contributor to the Freedom House producing team.
Producer: Chris Rayle
Chris Rayle is an experienced producer and director with over two decades of hands-on experience across film, television, digital content, and commercial production. His credits include work for NBC, Disney, HGTV, DIY Network, Travel Channel, HyVee, Dr. Pepper, and Capital Federal. In addition to his wide-ranging production expertise, Chris serves as an adjunct professor at Cleveland State University’s School of Film and Media Arts. His extensive industry knowledge, teaching experience, and production leadership bring both creative and operational strength to the Freedom House team.