Immigration films from great minds

I went to a film festival put on by youth. They are given the opportunity to learn filming and then create their own. I don't know if it was the theme--I think it was--but all the films were on the immigration issues going on now. The first one I saw really made me think, even though it was not one of the best films. A better one along the same lines had a similar theme. It spoke of the American Dream, and how immigrants come here to find a better life. Sometimes their life here does not seem so good, but they stay hoping for better things for their children at least. They work in jobs that the "more priviledged" will not work. They work for less and they work hard. Then when they are not legal residents, matters are more complicated. They may be sent back to their countries. Who are we to say that they don't have a right to be here? Mexicans for instance. We stole land from them--California itself used to be Mexican property, correct me if I am wrong. I know the issue is complex, and I see both sides even though I have limited knowledge. I know if we just let everyone in, we might get much more than we can handle. (though I am not sure what that would be). One of the youth got really brave in describing her view. She said that she is Japanese and her parents are legal and they work hard. If I understood her right she felt angry because she felt her family earned their right to be there and if other immigrants would do the same, they would get what they need as well. I admire her courage to put her view on the screen. I thought it was a healthy way to deal with anger. I wonder how many other legal immigrants feel about the illegal ones.

I was able to meet one of the youth before the viewing. We asked her about her film, and she said she just filmed a lot and pieced it together and said, "I am just a beginner." As it turned out her film won first place and she recieved a fancy video camera. She said she spent a month on it, and if she didn't like something she would take it out and film more. I am glad I got to talk to her.

I also talked to a man who knows a lot about the immigration issue. He spoke of the racist undercurrents that are still around. He mentioned one radio program in particular that bashes immigrants. There's free speech for you. (I have not listened to it, yet, and I need to find out what station again if I can).

I hope you readers enjoyed reading my reflections, this is partly my homework. Surprize!. Comments are welcome. Please rebuke, reflect, agree, or respond anyway you want. Or just forget it if you don't want to make the effort :)