Rocky Romano
@directedbyrocky.bsky.social
Dad & Co-founder of Winters Rock, an award-winning Los Angeles-based film and television documentary production company.
Reposted by Rocky Romano
NEW: Last year DonorsTrust distributed $195.3 mil in grants to the more than 300 right-wing influence groups, litigation centers, media outlets, climate deniers, pro-gun groups, and other tax-exempt organizations that underpin America’s far-right infrastructure.
www.exposedbycmd.org/2025/11/21/d...
www.exposedbycmd.org/2025/11/21/d...
Dark Money Donor Conduit Funneled $195 Million to Right-Wing Groups in 2024 - EXPOSEDbyCMD
Last year DonorsTrust, the preferred donor advised fund of the Koch political network, distributed $195.3 million in grants to the more than 300 right-wing influence groups, litigation centers, media ...
www.exposedbycmd.org
November 21, 2025 at 8:18 PM
NEW: Last year DonorsTrust distributed $195.3 mil in grants to the more than 300 right-wing influence groups, litigation centers, media outlets, climate deniers, pro-gun groups, and other tax-exempt organizations that underpin America’s far-right infrastructure.
www.exposedbycmd.org/2025/11/21/d...
www.exposedbycmd.org/2025/11/21/d...
We are incredibly honored to share that Gangsta Gardener has won the Cultural Maverick Award at the 2025 Coast Film Festival!
A huge thank-you to the entire team at the Coast Film & Music Festival for putting on such an incredible event.
A huge thank-you to the entire team at the Coast Film & Music Festival for putting on such an incredible event.
November 19, 2025 at 7:12 PM
We are incredibly honored to share that Gangsta Gardener has won the Cultural Maverick Award at the 2025 Coast Film Festival!
A huge thank-you to the entire team at the Coast Film & Music Festival for putting on such an incredible event.
A huge thank-you to the entire team at the Coast Film & Music Festival for putting on such an incredible event.
Reposted by Rocky Romano
Federal judge denies LAPD emergency motion to let officers to use force against press during #NoKings protest on Saturday.
I’m hearing, unconfirmed, City Council unanimously ordered City Attorney to withdraw motion anyway. Thank you! Much needed oversight!
drive.google.com/file/d/1tVyi...
I’m hearing, unconfirmed, City Council unanimously ordered City Attorney to withdraw motion anyway. Thank you! Much needed oversight!
drive.google.com/file/d/1tVyi...
![Proceedings: (IN CHAMBERS) ORDER RE DEFENDANTS’ EX PARTE APPLICATION
FOR STAY PENDING APPEAL [98]
On September 10, 2025, the Court granted Plaintiffs’ Motion for Preliminary Injunction.
[Dkt. 83]. Defendants filed a Notice of Appeal nearly a month later. [Dkt. 89]. The instant Ex
Parte Application for Stay of the Preliminary Injunction Pending Appeal (“Application”) was
filed on October 15. [Dkt. 98].
Defendants contend that immediate, ex parte relief is required in light of the “No Kings”
rally scheduled to take place in Los Angeles (and across the country) on October 18. Application
at 2. They also assert various “workability” concerns and other substantive arguments largely
mirroring those raised and addressed in prior briefing. Id. at 12–31.
To justify ex parte relief, the moving party must show that its “cause will be irreparably
prejudiced if the underlying motion is heard according to regular noticed motion procedures,”
and that it is “without fault in creating the crisis that requires ex parte relief, or that the crisis
occurred as a result of excusable neglect.” Mission Power Eng’g Co. v. Cont’l Cas. Co., 883 F.
Supp. 488, 492 (C.D. Cal. 1995).
Here, Defendants waited five weeks after the Court issued its injunction to file their
Application, during which time the Court presumes Defendants complied with its order to
disseminate the injunction. Furthermore, they waited almost three weeks from when they first
indicated to Plaintiffs that they would be seeking a stay. Declaration of Peter Bibring in
Opposition to Application ¶ 2 [Dkt. 100-1] (noting that Defendants notified Plaintiffs of their
intent to move for a stay pending appeal on September 26, 2025). And Defendants waited over a](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:6oexpvmrh6pxfay73gheefhm/bafkreiauxjjqvnm4lwc5guxf2rnogylkjblqtu2gkroojbdcewsxkl4rnm@jpeg)
October 17, 2025 at 9:52 PM
Federal judge denies LAPD emergency motion to let officers to use force against press during #NoKings protest on Saturday.
I’m hearing, unconfirmed, City Council unanimously ordered City Attorney to withdraw motion anyway. Thank you! Much needed oversight!
drive.google.com/file/d/1tVyi...
I’m hearing, unconfirmed, City Council unanimously ordered City Attorney to withdraw motion anyway. Thank you! Much needed oversight!
drive.google.com/file/d/1tVyi...
Reposted by Rocky Romano
Thank you. One of my first requests to public officials has long been to set the right tone. This is appreciated.
I believe first elected in City of Los Angeles to acknowledge issues with LAPD use of force against press since ... Eric Garcetti and Dennis Zine 15 yrs ago?
Hope to see more!
I believe first elected in City of Los Angeles to acknowledge issues with LAPD use of force against press since ... Eric Garcetti and Dennis Zine 15 yrs ago?
Hope to see more!
This position DOES NOT speak for the full City Council.
The LAPD should NEVER be permitted to use force against journalists or anyone peacefully exercising their first amendment rights.
The LAPD should NEVER be permitted to use force against journalists or anyone peacefully exercising their first amendment rights.
October 17, 2025 at 4:44 AM
Thank you. One of my first requests to public officials has long been to set the right tone. This is appreciated.
I believe first elected in City of Los Angeles to acknowledge issues with LAPD use of force against press since ... Eric Garcetti and Dennis Zine 15 yrs ago?
Hope to see more!
I believe first elected in City of Los Angeles to acknowledge issues with LAPD use of force against press since ... Eric Garcetti and Dennis Zine 15 yrs ago?
Hope to see more!
The official trailer for Blue Zeus is out! The film, narrated by Gerard Butler, will have its West Coast Premiere at the prestigious @newportbeachfilmfest next week. Both screenings sold out but they added a third screening!
October 15, 2025 at 10:12 PM
The official trailer for Blue Zeus is out! The film, narrated by Gerard Butler, will have its West Coast Premiere at the prestigious @newportbeachfilmfest next week. Both screenings sold out but they added a third screening!
Reposted by Rocky Romano
Great overview of police brutality against CA journalists.
LA alone accounts for "nearly half of all press freedom violations reported nationwide so far this year"!
We must hold the line here.
As California goes, so goes the nation.
From my new colleagues @freedom.press/@pressfreedomtracker.us.
LA alone accounts for "nearly half of all press freedom violations reported nationwide so far this year"!
We must hold the line here.
As California goes, so goes the nation.
From my new colleagues @freedom.press/@pressfreedomtracker.us.
California press protections undermined as violations surged at LA protests
Batons, pepper balls, searches, detainment: How police defied the state’s media rights law
pressfreedomtracker.us
October 2, 2025 at 12:46 AM
Great overview of police brutality against CA journalists.
LA alone accounts for "nearly half of all press freedom violations reported nationwide so far this year"!
We must hold the line here.
As California goes, so goes the nation.
From my new colleagues @freedom.press/@pressfreedomtracker.us.
LA alone accounts for "nearly half of all press freedom violations reported nationwide so far this year"!
We must hold the line here.
As California goes, so goes the nation.
From my new colleagues @freedom.press/@pressfreedomtracker.us.
Honored to share that Blue Zeus won Best Documentary at the 41st Boston Film Festival and swept the Equus International Film Festival with 5 awards including Best of Festival! Grateful to our crew & congrats to fellow filmmakers.
#BlueZeus #BFF2025 #EquusFest
#BlueZeus #BFF2025 #EquusFest
September 29, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Honored to share that Blue Zeus won Best Documentary at the 41st Boston Film Festival and swept the Equus International Film Festival with 5 awards including Best of Festival! Grateful to our crew & congrats to fellow filmmakers.
#BlueZeus #BFF2025 #EquusFest
#BlueZeus #BFF2025 #EquusFest
We won!
Last night a federal judge in L.A. blocked federal agents from DHS from using crowd-dispersal techniques and less-lethal munitions against journalists covering protests. He cited an “avalanche of evidence” that ICE and CBP agents violated First Amendment rights of journalists.
Federal judge curbs DHS force against journalists in L.A.
The judge cited an “avalanche of evidence” that ICE and Border Patrol agents violated the rights of reporters covering protests of immigration raids.
www.washingtonpost.com
September 12, 2025 at 8:02 PM
We won!
So, we sued the DHS and Kristi Noem and we won!
Just after 5:00 p.m. yesterday, Judge Vera issued an order granting our motion for preliminary injunction in LA Press Club v. Noem!
Just after 5:00 p.m. yesterday, Judge Vera issued an order granting our motion for preliminary injunction in LA Press Club v. Noem!
September 11, 2025 at 4:50 PM
So, we sued the DHS and Kristi Noem and we won!
Just after 5:00 p.m. yesterday, Judge Vera issued an order granting our motion for preliminary injunction in LA Press Club v. Noem!
Just after 5:00 p.m. yesterday, Judge Vera issued an order granting our motion for preliminary injunction in LA Press Club v. Noem!
DOUBLE PREMIERE!
BLUE ZEUS (narrated by Gerard Butler) & GANGSTA GARDENER (featuring Ron Finley) make their New England Premieres at the prestigious 41st Boston Film Festival on Sat, Sept 20:
1:30 PM BPL (Rabb Hall) — FREE
6:00 PM Paramount Theatre
bostonfilmfestival.org #BFF41
BLUE ZEUS (narrated by Gerard Butler) & GANGSTA GARDENER (featuring Ron Finley) make their New England Premieres at the prestigious 41st Boston Film Festival on Sat, Sept 20:
1:30 PM BPL (Rabb Hall) — FREE
6:00 PM Paramount Theatre
bostonfilmfestival.org #BFF41
August 27, 2025 at 7:02 PM
DOUBLE PREMIERE!
BLUE ZEUS (narrated by Gerard Butler) & GANGSTA GARDENER (featuring Ron Finley) make their New England Premieres at the prestigious 41st Boston Film Festival on Sat, Sept 20:
1:30 PM BPL (Rabb Hall) — FREE
6:00 PM Paramount Theatre
bostonfilmfestival.org #BFF41
BLUE ZEUS (narrated by Gerard Butler) & GANGSTA GARDENER (featuring Ron Finley) make their New England Premieres at the prestigious 41st Boston Film Festival on Sat, Sept 20:
1:30 PM BPL (Rabb Hall) — FREE
6:00 PM Paramount Theatre
bostonfilmfestival.org #BFF41
Reposted by Rocky Romano
Important weekend read.
Human Rights Watch typically focuses on atrocities far from the United States, but sadly now must shine its powerful global spotlight here in Los Angeles.
Much of the violence they document is directed toward press, potentially silencing those who might expose it.
Human Rights Watch typically focuses on atrocities far from the United States, but sadly now must shine its powerful global spotlight here in Los Angeles.
Much of the violence they document is directed toward press, potentially silencing those who might expose it.
🚨 Broken bones. Amputated finger. Loss of vision. Concussions. Deep lacerations. Severe bruising.
Law enforcement responded to protests against immigration raids in Los Angeles with deliberate brutality, in clear violation of int'l human rights law.
NEW @hrw.org report: www.hrw.org/news/2025/08...
Law enforcement responded to protests against immigration raids in Los Angeles with deliberate brutality, in clear violation of int'l human rights law.
NEW @hrw.org report: www.hrw.org/news/2025/08...
August 23, 2025 at 7:58 PM
Important weekend read.
Human Rights Watch typically focuses on atrocities far from the United States, but sadly now must shine its powerful global spotlight here in Los Angeles.
Much of the violence they document is directed toward press, potentially silencing those who might expose it.
Human Rights Watch typically focuses on atrocities far from the United States, but sadly now must shine its powerful global spotlight here in Los Angeles.
Much of the violence they document is directed toward press, potentially silencing those who might expose it.
Reposted by Rocky Romano
here's the link at @exposedbycmd.bsky.social www.exposedbycmd.org/2025/08/19/p...
Press Lawsuit Against DHS Reveals Pattern of Excessive Force Against Journalists - EXPOSEDbyCMD
Journalists and legal observers report severe injuries when attempting to cover immigration raids and protests in LA.
www.exposedbycmd.org
August 19, 2025 at 5:39 PM
here's the link at @exposedbycmd.bsky.social www.exposedbycmd.org/2025/08/19/p...
Reposted by Rocky Romano
Since Trump deployed troops to Los Angeles, federal and local law enforcement have repeatedly assaulted journalists and protesters, per a new lawsuit.
More:
rollingstone.com/politics/pol...
More:
rollingstone.com/politics/pol...
Lawsuit Against DHS Reveals Pattern of Excessive Force Against Journalists
Since Trump deployed troops to Los Angeles, federal and local law enforcement have repeatedly assaulted journalists and protesters, per new lawsuit.
rollingstone.com
August 19, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Since Trump deployed troops to Los Angeles, federal and local law enforcement have repeatedly assaulted journalists and protesters, per a new lawsuit.
More:
rollingstone.com/politics/pol...
More:
rollingstone.com/politics/pol...
Reposted by Rocky Romano
LAPD came in to clear and several people have been injured
August 9, 2025 at 5:04 AM
LAPD came in to clear and several people have been injured
Reposted by Rocky Romano
Absolutely brutal and unwarranted arrest by DHS in front of the detention center just now
August 9, 2025 at 3:21 AM
Absolutely brutal and unwarranted arrest by DHS in front of the detention center just now
Reposted by Rocky Romano
Here’s the moment LAPD ordered media along with protestors against the wall, despite requests for a supervisor as well as reminders that PC409.7(b) specifically exempts media from dispersal orders. Never made contact with a PIO. didn’t speak with a supervisor for a very long time after being cuffed.
August 9, 2025 at 11:16 AM
Here’s the moment LAPD ordered media along with protestors against the wall, despite requests for a supervisor as well as reminders that PC409.7(b) specifically exempts media from dispersal orders. Never made contact with a PIO. didn’t speak with a supervisor for a very long time after being cuffed.
WE NEED YOUR HELP!
We just launched our Indiegogo campaign to complete "Letters to Liam", a powerful documentary that transforms one family's devastating loss into a lifesaving mission.
Please support, share, and become part of Liam's legacy. Check out the new trailer below.
igg.me/at/liamslega...
We just launched our Indiegogo campaign to complete "Letters to Liam", a powerful documentary that transforms one family's devastating loss into a lifesaving mission.
Please support, share, and become part of Liam's legacy. Check out the new trailer below.
igg.me/at/liamslega...
Letters to Liam: One Family’s Fight to Save Yours
A powerful film about grief, justice, and the fight for change. | Check out 'Letters to Liam: One Family’s Fight to Save Yours' on Indiegogo.
igg.me
June 17, 2025 at 10:31 PM
WE NEED YOUR HELP!
We just launched our Indiegogo campaign to complete "Letters to Liam", a powerful documentary that transforms one family's devastating loss into a lifesaving mission.
Please support, share, and become part of Liam's legacy. Check out the new trailer below.
igg.me/at/liamslega...
We just launched our Indiegogo campaign to complete "Letters to Liam", a powerful documentary that transforms one family's devastating loss into a lifesaving mission.
Please support, share, and become part of Liam's legacy. Check out the new trailer below.
igg.me/at/liamslega...
Please help if you can! gofund.me/1af36fd0
June 10, 2025 at 11:46 PM
Please help if you can! gofund.me/1af36fd0
Coming to film festivals soon!
May 23, 2025 at 4:16 PM
Coming to film festivals soon!
Sneak peek of our new film Blue Zeus narrated by Gerard Butler And Executive produced by Mathew Rhys and Daryl Hannah!
We are delighted to share a sneak preview of our feature-length documentary about the fight to save Blue Zeus and reunite him with his family at #skydogsanctuary. A tribute to the #wildhorse spirit and their struggle to survive against a cruel, broken, and corrupt US federal agency.
May 8, 2025 at 8:29 PM
Sneak peek of our new film Blue Zeus narrated by Gerard Butler And Executive produced by Mathew Rhys and Daryl Hannah!
I want to take a moment to appreciate and celebrate three amazing women that I have the privilege of collaborating with. Their passion, dedication, and talent make every project better, and I am grateful to work alongside them.
A big thank you to @analisfilms @itslarayray and @rands.winters!
A big thank you to @analisfilms @itslarayray and @rands.winters!
March 8, 2025 at 6:41 PM
I want to take a moment to appreciate and celebrate three amazing women that I have the privilege of collaborating with. Their passion, dedication, and talent make every project better, and I am grateful to work alongside them.
A big thank you to @analisfilms @itslarayray and @rands.winters!
A big thank you to @analisfilms @itslarayray and @rands.winters!
Reposted by Rocky Romano
Conservative voters – the very ones Trump has targeted with his attacks on the press – “should be helping to lead the drive” to save local news.
News deserts have social consequences for everyone who lives in them // 🧵
localnewsinitiative.northwestern.edu/posts/2024/1...
News deserts have social consequences for everyone who lives in them // 🧵
localnewsinitiative.northwestern.edu/posts/2024/1...
In news deserts, Trump won in a landslide
localnewsinitiative.northwestern.edu
December 7, 2024 at 1:21 AM
Conservative voters – the very ones Trump has targeted with his attacks on the press – “should be helping to lead the drive” to save local news.
News deserts have social consequences for everyone who lives in them // 🧵
localnewsinitiative.northwestern.edu/posts/2024/1...
News deserts have social consequences for everyone who lives in them // 🧵
localnewsinitiative.northwestern.edu/posts/2024/1...
We’re thrilled to announce that our film “Gangsta Gardener” starring @ronfinleyhq has won the Best Short Documentary award at the Independent Shorts Awards!
Check out the film in person at the Pittsburgh Shorts Film Festival on Sat Nov 23rd at 1pm at the Harris Theatre in downtown Pittsburgh.
Check out the film in person at the Pittsburgh Shorts Film Festival on Sat Nov 23rd at 1pm at the Harris Theatre in downtown Pittsburgh.
November 18, 2024 at 9:02 PM
We’re thrilled to announce that our film “Gangsta Gardener” starring @ronfinleyhq has won the Best Short Documentary award at the Independent Shorts Awards!
Check out the film in person at the Pittsburgh Shorts Film Festival on Sat Nov 23rd at 1pm at the Harris Theatre in downtown Pittsburgh.
Check out the film in person at the Pittsburgh Shorts Film Festival on Sat Nov 23rd at 1pm at the Harris Theatre in downtown Pittsburgh.
Reposted by Rocky Romano
