MEET NEW DAY: Michelle Plascencia
I am an impact producer and cultural organizer based in Mexico City. My goal is to unite films and filmmakers with social change advocates to push stories and movements forward. I work alongside filmmakers and communities to strategize, design, and implement impact campaigns, utilizing audiovisual storytelling as a catalyst to spark conversation, action, and awareness. I believe that through intentional partnerships, art, and activism, we have the power to positively mobilize social change.
The Other Side of the Wall is an intimate, heartfelt story about two siblings from Honduras whose relationship is held together by love and hope as immigration injustice threatens to separate them. The film is genuine, honest, relatable and at times humorous. The film premiered in 2017 and it continues to be relevant in our current political landscape. The film screened at multiple film festivals around the world including, Chicago International Film Festival, DocsBarcelona, DocsMX, and won Best Feature Documentary at HotDocs. Beyond festivals, the film has been presented in diverse educational and organizational spaces and continues to spark important conversations about immigration issues.
I joined the film team as a friend and ally who could relate to this story. I saw the film's potential to build awareness and empathy around immigration injustice in educational spaces. When I met director Pau Ortiz and film participant Rocio I was immediately intrigued by their bond and the film. Rocio was open, strong, andwell spoken, a reflection of many young women who are seeking a place in the world to fight for justice. My connection with Rocio, stems from my own experience of migration and my desire for a sense of belonging.
I believe that the film has the power to shift societal discrimination toward immigrant families and amplify empathy. It is a story that can uplift families and celebrate the power to overcome hardships through love.
I invite you to watch the trailer for The Other Side of the Wall and learn more about Rocio’s journey.