# data[].attributes.body
Your short film is absolutely beautiful and heart wrenching at the same time. But it’s important that these messages and stories are shared, and I am very grateful to have the opportunity to listen and learn. I wonder if more Americans heard these stories, understood the sacrifices that so many migrants face and the hardships along their journeys, if we could become a more empathetic society. You brilliantly displayed the dichotomy of a city which provides so many opportunities, in terms of economic opportunity, political stability, and safety, and how this pull factor is in stark contrast with systemic racism, and a legal system which prevents the movement of so many Angelenos and American residents. It can be hard to stomach but it is important to face the harsh reality of the situation. It is both ironic and saddening how hypocritical the American narrative around “family” is. We constantly hear about the importance of “family” and the family unit, and yet for so much of this country’s history, families have been purposefully divided as far back as the 15th century with slavery, to our present with the militarization of our borders. Through your film I also got a sense of the great sacrifices migrants have to face as well as the difficult choices they must make. There is a pervasive narrative in the United States that it is the land of opportunity and therefore, it is the ultimate desired destination. But those sacrifices shouldn’t be minimized. The inability to return “home” or to reconnect with friends and family is for many, the ultimate price. Yet this reality is seldom included in the media and our understanding of the migrant experience. Thank you so much for these enlightening stories.

- Jackson G. (Prof G’s class)

# data[].attributes.body
Great film! Very touching stories, I was not expecting to cry at almost midnight, but here I am. I think it’s very important to hear and share these stories to help realize the struggles that so many people go through. It really helps you appreciate all the good things you have to be grateful for, even if your life might not necessarily be where you want it to be. It’s amazing to see how parents have unconditional love for their children and will do so much to create the best future possible for them. I think it’s unfair how immigrants, especially coming in from/through Mexico are seen as lesser than US-born people when in reality we are all trying to do our best to survive and make a better life for ourselves and those we care about. There is definitely a racist aspect to US society wanting to keep immigrants from coming in through Mexico when there are no other countries being blocked for immigrants in the same manner. I think it’s important to keep sharing these stories so that the people whose voices are not usually heard are given a chance to be heard and their stories can be shared. Beautiful film. -Eric Wang (sent by Prof G!)

# data[].attributes.body
Not gonna lie fam, this was heart-wrenching. This was so emotional, and I LOVED it. Like your other films, I love how you humanize immigrants of color when there's so much racism against them in the U.S. at the moment (and throughout U.S. history as well). Your choice to show individual stories (beautiful stories btw) was breath-taking, and it brought tears to my face hearing each and every one of these amazing stories. Seriously, well done! Hopefully, more people can see this film, so they can sympathize with immigrants of color and realize that these people are human beings too. Immigrants are just looking for a better life for themselves and their families, which is something too many Americans seem to forget or purposefully ignore.

# data[].attributes.body
This video is awesome and really resonate with my backgroud. I was borned in Spain, which is a community similar to Latinx community. Not only that, My parents told me about their trugglings immigrating from China to Spain, and under a hardship and discrimination, they worked hard and rooted in this country. Reflecting the Latin American narratives, though from other perspectives, I feel I even understand Latinx community in LA even outside of LA, especially those who had the similar experience. I recalled what we have discussed in class, which Professor Grimes demonstrated various Latinx related videos, and how they wish their voiced be heard from society and how they fight for racial equalty. This video also resonated with another class I am taking, GESM 131, a course focus on Latinx culture and history. Latinx culture and history and cultural pratice should not fade away due to the comtemporary trends,or should not be fix to an extend which people think that would be appreciated. I felt heart broken when I saw that struggles of the interviewees who really had the similar or same experience to my parents'. I hope everyone who experience those hardships would be supported by others frequently, and bless those who are still struggling! Luo Geng Xu Zhou from professor G's class!

# data[].attributes.body
Believe me when I say that I could truly feel the raw emotion while watching this beautiful piece. I was reminded of my own family members, and more specifically, my dad, who also did the journey across the desert and still tells horror stories of his experience. Hearing about the narratives of other people, who also went through the same thing, makes me appreciate the Latin American people who are a part of Los Angeles even more. We should make sure that their voices continue to be heard, and that their stories and cultural practices are not disregarded, or “fixed” to be viewed in a certain way. Some of these people never get to see their family members ever again after coming to the U.S., and are left with trauma that will live in them forever. Their experiences are valuable. Thank you for sharing the stories of the people who make up our beautiful communities.

- Juliana S. (from Professor Grimes' class)

# data[].attributes.body
Firstly it hurts me to see that there was separation between families within this video because that is one of my biggest fears. I thank you and your parents so much for sharing everything in this film because you did not have to but you chose to knowing it would help other people in some way. I am very fortunate to have both my parents by my side and it hurts me that it cannot be that way for everyone. I truly would not know who I would be without my parents because they have taught me so much. Even with all the knowledge I have sometimes I just cannot believe how strong and caring my mother is. She has always been there for me my whole life and does not let any obstacle get in the way of her getting what she wants which is the best for me and my family. She is not only a role model but someone who I do not even know I have the power to be like. I thank you for sharing this again because it really allowed me to truly not take for granted everything my parents have done for me and it helped inspire me to want to do everything I can plus more for the people I love most. Thank you so much for this!

# data[].attributes.body
This the most heart-breaking films that I have seen in a while. I am just so sorry that some people have to go through the pain of being separated from their family for so long. Recently, because of coronavirus, I have been spending a lot of time with some family members, and it just made me realize how much family means to me. On the other hand, due to travel restrictions, I haven’t been able to see the other part of my family. Even though it has only been a year, it is already so frustrating that I started meeting them in my dream every once in a while. This video hits me very hard. I honestly can’t even imagine how much hardships that the interviewees in the film had to go through. My prayer goes to the interviewees and those who are still in similar situations.

# data[].attributes.body
Daniela, Jacqueline, and Felicity -

This film was extremely touching - thank you so much for sharing. I also want to thank your parents for sharing their stories and for allowing themselves to be completely open, emotional, and vulnerable. It is an incredible thing to see the power of love and family- a reminder that love transcends through lineage and beyond, no matter how difficult. Thank you for giving us a look into your family’s life. Seeing that struggle puts a face and emotion to the many terrible stories that we hear of how poorly immigrants are treated. My hope is that LatinX people are treated with the justice and respect that they deserve. This film was so inspiring to me because I could tell that it came from the heart and was given a lot of effort, attention, and care. Incredibly authentic - Thank you for sharing

s/o to Professor Grimes for telling us about your films - super grateful I got to watch this.

# data[].attributes.body
Such a beautiful, touching, and inspirational video. Even though I am not an immigrant, as an international student, I can still be sympathized with the emotion created by long-time separation. Every time I went back my home and gathered with my family, I would noticed some details that I ignored in daily life. The gradually noticeable wrinkles and increasing gray hair reminds me that my mom is getting older, and I have less and less time staying with her. So, when I saw the clips of families’ reunion after several decades, I am deeply touched. People were separated with different but irresistible reasons. However, the affection with their mother was always the softest part in the bottom of people’s heart. I really hope there are less parting with one’s loves, so people can take care of their relation while chasing a better life.
Thank your for sharing!
Ruoming Li
Thank you professor Grimes for suggesting these films to our class!

# data[].attributes.body
Thank you for making this beautiful and important film - now more than ever it is critical to shine light on the stories of immigrants in the United States. Far too often, immigrants are stigmatized and their problems are brushed off without much thought. Films like this are necessary in bringing our stories to the forefront, peeling back the onion and showing that the majority of immigrants in the United States are some of the most hard working, loving, and resilient people in our communities. Taking such risks to provide a better life for family is characteristically representative in itself - it shows the immense amount of sacrifice out of pure, unconditional love. This film did a great job of putting these stories on a platform, and I appreciate everyone in the video for sharing their profound stories. You can truly hear and feel the passion, love, and sorrow in the voices of those being interviewed, to the point where goosebumps start to show on your skin. This film embodies the primary ideal of art: to express what can't be said solely in words. Amazing job, and thanks again!
- Ygor Pereira (from Professor G's class)

# data[].attributes.body
Dear Daniela, Jacqueline, & Felicity,

I cannot put into words how much this film moved me because I completely understand all of your feelings as a first generation American. My parents are both from Mexico and they gave up their lives, friends, and families to give my siblings and I a better future. They were just kids raising their own kids in a foreign place by themselves. The challenges that our parents and our people went through to get here are heroic to say the least. I have the utmost respect for my people who took the chance and now make this nation run!

Growing up, I would always hear the grown ups share their stories of how they crossed the border. There was never one that didn't mark me because it seemed that every single one of them beat the odds of making it over alive. I heard of people who had to walk through the dessert, people who hid in the backs of trucks, people who had to swim across rivers, people who carried their children on their backs, people who were too old, and people that died with the dream of making it to the other side.

I am so glad to hear how you all appreciate your parents because I know that they would have loved to grow up alongside theirs. Thank you to your parents for sharing their vulnerable sides and their stories. This is the reality of so many that it has become inscribed into our culture. Our parents and grandparents deserve to be recognized for their heroic acts that got us to where we are today, the land of the free where opportunities are endless if we work hard enough. I hope that when you wake up everyday you remember how lucky you are to have what you have. It may be a little or a lot but that is not the point, the point is that you get to wake up without needing to leave your family behind like our parents did. I hope you all work to repay a favor that can, quite frankly, never be repaid and to use your parents as proof that anything is possible!

With love,

Leslie Ramos

PS: Thank you prof. Grimes for suggesting these amazing films to us!

# data[].attributes.body
Great film! This was a very touching video. It brought tears to my eyes while watching it. who would have though people go through these types of things just to have a better life. I know it was very tough to include their parents story in this film without getting emotionally overwhelmed. This film was stunning. I am so happy I got the chance to watch it.

# data[].attributes.body
Amazing work! This film was inspirational in so many levels. As a latina, I was deeply touched by your film; my own family from Chile had to move around during the dictatorship times (1970s) and had to leave family behind. That feeling of having to leave for a better future, for yourself and your children, while having to leave others you love behind is one of the strongest and difficult ones in life, as described by my grandparents. However, like you, I cherish their actions; I am so thankful for their actions, it is them who allowed me to be where I am today. Thank you for sharing such personal and deep emotions; thank you for teaching us the value of our parent's/family's journey. This film ignites awareness over the appreciation we must have for those that came before us; they are the keys to those doors we have been able to explore in our own lives. Overall, your film was beautiful and inspirational. Thank you for sharing.                               P.S: I am Professor Grimes's student. I am so thankful for his influence in having us watch your films.                           -Stephanie Schroer Prado

# data[].attributes.body
This film left me speechless and in tears. Incredible work, incredible stories, incredible vulnerability and honesty. No other word to sum the film up but beautiful. I am one of Professor Grime's students, and I'm so happy he recommended these films for our viewing as I have been exposed to so many stories and incredible artwork. You all are so talented and such compelling story tellers. The testimonials offered in this film left me with a deeper sense of gratitude and appreciation for the value of family and love. Kudos!! -Emily L.

# data[].attributes.body
This film was very emotional and told a wonderful story of what many of our parents went through and it's beautiful how this group decided to expand on it. Very beautiful film.

# data[].attributes.body
This flippin' film left me stranded in a in front of a life-size mirror...staring into a deeper sense of humanity and gratitude for the journey/journies of Latinx people in this city!!!!

# data[].attributes.body
The people who created this film have an amazing gift for film making in a way that resonates with their viewers.

# data[].attributes.body
thank you for the strength in being vulnerable and sharing these stories.

# data[].attributes.body
What a powerful experience. Left us with tears.

# data[].attributes.body
the film was so impactful and beautiful

# data[].attributes.body
Beautiful. Simply beautiful.