Sue and Jesse bring a love of story and a dedication to excellence to Heirloom Family Films.
Sue Tannehill
Sue has always loved stories – stories of objects, stories of other people, stories of families. Having moved 23 times, Sue finally bought her first and only home, thinking, “As long as I pay the mortgage, I never have to move again.” 32 years later, she hasn’t moved, and her home is full of memories and stories. She retired in 2018 from her work as a teacher, storyteller and editor, and developed Heirloom Family Films as her passion project. Sue’s belief about the importance of story is rooted in the following proverb:
“Each time an elder dies, it’s as if a whole library has burned to the ground.”
Sue is committed to preserving elders’ stories.
Sue has a BA in psychology from Vassar College and an MA in English Literature from SUNY Brockport, as well as a graduate certificate in Creative Studies from Buffalo State University.
Jesse Deganis Librera
Being able to capture my grandparents’ home, their story, the small details that will undoubtedly fade away, was one of the most meaningful moments in my ten year career as a filmmaker. Having the ability to preserve these heartfelt stories of our lives and loved ones is the reason I joined Heirloom Family Films, with the hope that I could help others feel that same sense of satisfaction of having done my best to honor the love that was shown to me from these special caretakers of my life. Giving people the space to share the stories of their lives is an incredible opportunity, something that requires the finest attention to detail and an open heart, and this is the craftsmanship I put into every film that I create.
Jesse graduated from The City College of New York with a M.F.A. in Documentary Filmmaking in 2015 and works as an independent filmmaker and educator in Buffalo, NY.