A student filmmaking project involving Chaffey High School and nearby Ontario schools is set to reach a theater audience this weekend. “The Unifiers: Sudden Heroes” follows two students who gain extraordinary powers and use them to stand up to bullies at school. The full-length movie screens Sunday, October 25, at Starlight Terra Vista 6, with showings at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Les Shepherd, a Chaffey High School filmmaking teacher and film club leader, directed and produced the movie, according to the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin. The film’s anti-bullying theme hits close to home for Shepherd. His son Myles is one of the film’s lead actors.
The Daily Bulletin reports that Chaffey High students first approached Shepherd about making a film six years before its premiere. Work took place mostly after school and during summer breaks. Filming took place two summers ago at Chaffey High, other campuses, and nearby canyons and foothills.
A Cast Built From Local Classrooms
Students from Vina Danks Middle School and other nearby middle schools joined the Chaffey High students in the cast. Louis Johnson is one of the superhero leads. The Daily Bulletin reports that the production received approval from the Chaffey Joint Union High and Ontario-Montclair school districts before filming.
The production also drew on Shepherd’s former students and entertainment-industry connections. Chaffey High graduate Christopher Minjares, class of 2013, contributed camera work and behind-the-scenes footage. Michael Moncada, a May 2026 graduate, operated the camera and film slate, while Ariel Wiley, a Chaffey alum, worked on sound production. The Daily Bulletin also reports that Shepherd recruited friends, including a sound editor, to help.
Nearly 600 Visual Effects Shots
Les Shepherd said the finished film includes nearly 600 visual-effects and 3D shots.
Friendship, courage and standing up to bullying are central to the film’s story, in which young heroes use their abilities to help classmates.
The Film’s Anti-Bullying Message
The film’s message addresses bullying in schools. Nationally, the National Center for Education Statistics has tracked the share of students ages 12-18 who report being bullied during school across multiple school years. Other schools have turned to similar creative approaches, including a project highlighted by California State University, Bakersfield on using film to combat bullying.
What schools do when bullying is reported
The two local districts describe steps for responding to reports. Chaffey Joint Union High School District’s Bully Prevention Policy says a staff member must notify the principal within one business day after receiving a bullying report. Ontario-Montclair School District says staff begin investigating a submitted report and contact the reporting family about next steps.
For Inland Empire families hoping to catch the premiere, the screenings take place at Starlight Terra Vista 6 in Rancho Cucamonga.
