Telling 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 País, 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.
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The collection also features interviews with filmmakers Luis Argueta, Jenny Alexander, Tin Dirdamal, Heidi Hassan, and María 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.