Goleta Teen’s Inspiring Story Turned Into Documentary

The story of a Goleta teen singer who overcame adversity is now a documentary.

Local filmmakers met MaryGrace Langhorne at the Teen Star singing competition in Santa Barbara.

She entered the event in 2014 while confined to a wheel chair and won.

They were inspired by her determination to walk again after she became paralyzed from an adverse reaction to medication.

“MaryGrace” is a 14-minute documentary focusing on how she used music as therapy to heal herself.

The documentary was written and produced by Claudia Lapin.

Pam Brandon was the director and producer.

Dave Jenkins shot, edited and produced the documentary.

Joe Lambert, of Teen Star, served as executive producer.

“You can’t ignore MaryGrace’s powerful voice. She’s like an Etta James. but there is more to her than her voice,” Lapin said.

The documentary screened at the Cannes Film Festival in May and wowed audiences.

“We want to inspire other people. That’s the goal,” Brandon said.

It also screened at a film and music festival in Korea.

The documentary ends with MaryGrace taking her first steps.

Since filming wrapped, the teen has made even more progress.

The filmmakers hope to turn her story into a full-length documentary.

“There is a big story here of everything she’s been through and overcome,” Brandon said.

“MaryGrace is a powerhouse. She is someone to be reckoned with and we haven’t heard the last from her,” Lapin said.

The documentary makes its U.S. premiere Monday night at the Ojai Film Festival.

It starts at 8 p.m. at the Ojai Art Center.

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