Telling Migrant Stories

'Through the judicious use of secondary theoretical, critical, archival, and journalistic sources, this excellent and comprehensive collection surveys Latin American documentaries that focus on pertinent sociopolitical and historical issues. An original contribution to Chicano/Latino studies.'-David William Foster, author of Sao Paulo: Perspectives on the City and Cultural Production 'Timely and engaging. Focuses on seldom seen but incredibly powerful narratives that shed light on the travails and struggles that immigrants face, including deportation, raids, and detention.'-Tamara Falicov, author of The Cinematic Tango: Contemporary Argentine FilmTelling Migrant Stories explores how contemporary documentary film gives voice to Latin American immigrants whose stories would not otherwise be heard. Contributors analyze films including Harvest of Empire, Sin Pas, The Vigil, De Nadie, Operation Peter Pan: Flying Back to Cuba, Abuelos, La Churona, and Which Way Home as well as internet documentaries distributed via platforms like YouTube. They examine the ways these films highlight the individual agency of immigrants as well as the global systemic conditions that lead to mass migrations from Latin American countries to the United States and Europe. The collection also features interviews with filmmakers Luis Argueta, Jenny Alexander, Tin Dirdamal, Heidi Hassan, and Mara Cristina Carrillo Espinosa. Their discussions emphasize that because the genre is grounded in fact rather than fiction, it has the ability to profoundly impact audiences. Documentaries prompt viewers to recognize the many worlds migrants depart from, to become immersed in the struggles portrayed, and to consider the stories of immigrants with compassion and solidarity.