America's Family

I am proud to have written and directed a film that reflects today’s American family as intersectional, mixed status and mixed ethnic. The Diaz Family, while fighting through separation due to unjust immigration laws, also grapples with disability, police brutality, racism and how to care for children and keep them safe during this time of crisis.

Our film features an international cast and crew, with the majority people of color and immigrant. We filmed in greater Los Angeles and Lancaster, the Oaxacan coast as well as on the Tijuana/San Diego border. The film was made in partnership with professional artists, activists and community members. We speak in English, Spanish, Spanglish, Hebrew and the universal language of love.

This period of escalated aggression toward immigrant families and massive upheaval at the Border coincides with attention to the severe inequities of underrepresented communities and the growing commitment to diversity both behind and in front of the camera. As the development process and options for content continues to evolve and grow, I am excited for this project spearheaded by women, people of color and immigrants that speaks to a broad, diverse audience.

We hope that our film will inspire audiences to advocate for laws that support family unity in lieu of detention and deportation. We also hope to remind audiences that the unjustly deported and those vulnerable to deportation belong to our families and communities, that they should have a say in the future of immigration and the right to remain with or return to their loved ones - as we all should.