After its world premiere at the Los Angeles Film Festival, the documentary American DREAMers continued on its festival tour with recent stops in New Mexico, and just this past weekend, it played the San Francisco Latino Film Festival. Directed by two LA-based filmmakers, Saray Deiseil and Jenniffer Castillo, the doc puts you smack dab in the middle of the movement behind the Campaign for an American DREAM. It follows a group of young immigration activists who publicly come out as undocumented and walk 3,000 miles to the nation’s capital.
We caught up with Deiseil and Castillo to talk about their inspiration for making this film, deciding to become directors, and their movie guilty pleasures.
Jenniffer Castillo, Co-Director
Where are you from?
San Juan, Puerto Rico.
What city do you call home?
Los Angeles.
“When I first started filmmaking, I did it because I wanted to tell stories that could change the world.”
What made you want to become a filmmaker?
When I first started filmmaking, I did it because I wanted to tell stories that could change the world. Now that I realize how over-romanticized that is, I do it to change people’s minds.
What inspired you to make this film?
The walkers. When we first met them on the road, we were going to do a short profile piece on their journey, but after meeting them – after spending only a few days with them – we knew we had a bigger story to tell. Our videographer at the time captured it perfectly. He said, “Here are these kids with no sponsorship, no funds, simply the shoes on their feet, the resilience in their heart, and the determination to keep going.” Their strength and determination to keep going – despite the odds – inspired me to take that leap and make my first feature film.
What was the most rewarding part about making this film?
The most rewarding part about making the film was being inside the Obama for America Office in Denver with Veronica and Javier while they did a hunger strike and sit-in. During his re-election time, they were demanding President Obama pass an executive order to stop the deportation of DREAMers. Because news cameras were coming in, the campaign office staff closed the doors to the public, but Saray and I were able to sneak inside just in time and remained inside for the six days to follow. Their protest and the ones to follow were covered by national headlines, and we were the only ones with cameras inside. Shortly after Veronica and Javier walked out of the office, President Obama announced Deferred Action, which did exactly what they were asking for – it stopped the deportation of DREAMers. To see young people and a community of activists take action like that and be heard was really inspiring.
How do your parents feel about you becoming a filmmaker?
My parents have always been really supportive of my dreams. They also encouraged me to go to school and get a degree, so if all else fails, I could teach! I come from a family of educators. The irony is that I’ve been counting my accomplishments because I can’t wait to teach some day, but I want to make sure that when I do, I am worthy of the position.
Did you formally study film?
Yes, I received a B.A. in English and Film Studies from Boston College, and an M.F.A. in Screenwriting from Loyola Marymount University.
What is a movie you are embarrassed to admit you really like?
How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days. I can quote it.
Saray Deiseil, Co-Director
Where are you from?
I was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA.
What city do you call home?
Los Angeles.
“I am a sponge of life and if I don’t share what I absorb, I may drown.”
What made you want to become a filmmaker?
I became a filmmaker because I am an emotional being. I am a sponge of life and if I don’t share what I absorb, I may drown. I am moved by people and I know the effect films can have and I want to be part of that. I want to tell stories that have a social cause and shift the way people think and view certain issues. I want to make people feel what I feel from someone’s story or behavior. I want to create and share a world you may not have known otherwise. That’s why I am a filmmaker.
What inspired you to make this film?
Our subjects, the Campaign for An American DREAM, also known as the Walkers. Meeting them and listening to their stories made me reflect on what it took for me to be in this country. I never put much thought [into] my mom’s journey to this country until I met them. I never realized my privilege until I met them. Their ability to be completely vulnerable and open while maintaining their heads up high and fighting for what they believed in made me want to stand by their side. [Even though] it wasn’t my fight, I wanted to be able to use the power of film to capture and tell their story. This was a story that not only is important for our country to have a dialogue about, but it was a story that was part of me in some way. This film is the reason I became a filmmaker.
What was the most rewarding part about making this film?
Truly, the entire process was rewarding. I can list off 101 rewards, but how about I give you two for now. One as a filmmaker – being able to completely immerse yourself into your subject’s life, living on the road with them, and disconnecting from your life back home is the most rewarding thing you can do for your film. When you give up everything for your story and you go wherever it takes you, that’s when you really get to the heart of things. Second, as a student – I learned so much from everyone involved in the film. Yes, I wanted to make this film because it hit close to home, but in reality I knew nothing about immigration and throughout the process of documenting them, I became a student and they provided a great Immigration 101 lesson plan. The most memorable lesson I had was during the hunger strike and sit-in they did in one of the Obama campaign offices in Denver. This act of civil disobedience was to demand an executive order to stop the deportation of DREAM Act eligible youth.
“I’m a romantic at heart so give me any sappy love story even if it’s bad and I’m in.”
Jenn and I were lucky to be in the center of it all. We witnessed the emotional and physical risk they took to fight for their life and their place in this country. It was moving and inspiring to see their strength, to see the community come together in solidarity with them, and to see a positive outcome that they pushed for. It was the final push after years of undocumented activists demonstrating, which led to this moment where the President of the United States announced Deferred Action. It was a victory for them and our community. This moment was so pivotal for not only their journey, but for our film; it was what made Jenn and I officially quit our jobs and join them.
How do your parents feel about you becoming a filmmaker?
My mother has always given me the freedom and support to become whoever I want to become. There was never a question about what path I would take and even though she knew there were a lot of risks involved, it didn’t matter, because for her, seeing me happy was the most important. I live by that motto today. If you’re not happy with what you’re doing, then you need to switch gears and do what makes you happy.
Did you formally study film?
Yes, I studied film and video production at Brooks Institute of Photography.
What is a movie you are embarrassed to admit you really like?
I can’t really pinpoint one right now, but romantic comedies are my jam. I’ve never really said that out loud. I’m a romantic at heart so give me any sappy love story even if it’s bad and I’m in. I’m actually developing a romantic comedy web series right now. Stay tuned.