by Eydie Mendoza
“I proudly declare that we are American … I carry with me my mother, my father, and my sisters who embody everything that I know is good and true about this country,” emphasizes Evelyn at a national gathering in Washington D.C.
Director/Cinematographer/Producer Hilary Linder and Editor Laura Franco-Velasco of Indivisible, give us more than a glimpse the lives of Evelyn Rivera Portillo (from Colombia), Renata Borges Teodoro (from Brazi), and Antonio Alarcón (from Mexico). They whole heartedly capture their hopes and strengths.
The film rides with eight youths as they travel in a van to Nogales, Ariz. to see their parents at the Mexican border. They have not seen or held their parents for many years.
Meet and follow the amazing and intelligent youth in Indivisible as they share their experiences, struggles and love for their families.
This eye opening documentary gives voice to those unheard. It gives a face to the youth affected by ICE sweeps of parents and family members who are deported; and it brings us up to date on the current DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) situation.
“This is our time. This is what immigration reform looks like,” says Evelyn. “I haven’t seen my mom in six years.”
If you missed Indivisible check the Cinequest Website for updated times and location http://www.cinequest.org. Encore showings will be listed on Saturday, March 12 for Sunday, March 13.
Eydie Mendoza has worked with underserved and underrepresented communities as a bilingual educator and counselor assisting families, care providers, teachers, youth and adults in pursuing their dreams for a better education and life within her roles at National Council of La Raza, Art Center College of Design in Pasadena and College of the Redwoods in Eureka. She is a former SVL Editor-in-Chief of SVLatino.com and a former San Jose Pride Board Member. With membership to the Luna Park Business Association, the Latina Success Network, and a team member of the Silicon Valley Latino Leadership Summit, she is currently the Social Media and Website Coordinator for Santa Clara County Public Health and web producer for her own business EMpresenta.